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Cui'jTlslit,  1878, 1/  Tlioniu  Kelly,  >"«w  York. 


■u 


A   CATECHISM  ^ 


OF  THE 


HISTORY  OF  IRELAND. 


Ancient-i  Mediceval^  and  Modern^ 


BY 


THE  REV.  JAMES  J.  BRENNAN, 


OP  THK  DIOCESE  OF  NEWARK. 


NEW    YORK: 

THOMAS  KELLY,  PUBLISHER, 

17  Barclay  Street. 

1878. 


.i&Sfl^.v. .    .•:.  '      "  h. 


Copyright,  1878,  by 
JAMES  JOSEPH    BRENNAN. 


Press  of 
THOMAS    KELLY, 

NEW    YORK. 


575-c 


i 


^  CONTENTS. 

"ns 
ft 

r4  ..  I 


«^ 


3 


PACK 


^    Preface. 9 

Introduction 11 

Explanatory  Chapter. 13 


PART^I. 

THE  PRIMITIVE  PERIODS. 

First  Period. 

CHAPTER 

I.  From  Partholan  to  the  Milesians 21 

II.  Heremon  and  Heber 24 

III.  From  the  Death  of  Heremon  to  Ollave  Fola. 27 

rl    IV.  From  Ollave  Fola  to  Sedna  II 30 

^     V.  From  Sedna  II.  to  Kimbaeth 34 


r 


Second  Period. 


I.  From  Kimbaeth  to  Aengus  III 38 

II.  From  Aengus  III.  to  Conafari  M^. 41 


■<5M^.. 

71214:4 


6  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  PACK 

III.  •  From  Conair^  M6r  to  Tuathal  Tectmar 45 

IV.  Tuathal  Tectmar 48 

V.  From  Feilim  II.  to  Connac  Ulfada 52 

VI,  Cormac  Ulfada 55 

VII.  From  Carbr6  II.  to  Eocha  XII 58 

VIII,  From  Eocha  XII.  to  Laegaire  II 61 


» 


PART  II. 

THE  MIDDLE  AGES. 

First  Period, 

I.  Laegaire  II 67 

II.  From  Olioll  IV.  to  Dermid  1 71 

III.  From  Dermid  I.  to  Hugh  II 75 

IV.  Hughll 78 

V.  From  Hugh  III.  to  Domnall  II 81 

VI.  From  Domnall  II.  to  Finnacta  II 84 

VII.  From  Finnacta  II.  to  Domnall  III 89 

Vin,  From  Domnall  in.  to  Hugh  VI 93 

Second  Period. 

I.  From  Hugh  VI.  to  Malachy  1 97 

II,  From  Malachy  I,  to  Flann lOO 

III.  From  Flann  to  Congall  III 104 

IV.  From  Congall  III,  to  Malachy  II 107 


CONTENTS,  7 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

V.  Malachy  II.  and  Brian  Bom Iio 

VI.  From  Donncad  III.  to  Murthogh  II 114 

VII.  From  Murthogh  II,  to  Thurlogh  II 117 

Villi  From  Thurlogh  II.  to  Roderick  II 120 


*        ♦'  PART  III. 

THE  MODERN  PERIODS. 

1 

First  Period. 

I.  Roderick  II 127 

II.  Domestic  War, 133 

III.  Feilim  O'Connor  and  his  Contemporaries 137 

IV.  The  Era  of  Richard  de  Burgh,  "  the  Red  Earl ". 141 

V.  From  King  Edward  Bruce  to  Art  McMurrogh. 145 

VI.  Art  McMurrogh /. . .  ^ 150 

VII.  Richard,  Duke  of  York 156 

VIII.  Unchristian  Laws 160 

IX.  The  Earls  of  Kildare , 164 


Second  Period. 

I.  JohnO'NeiU 169 

II.  The  Geraldine  League 175 

IIL  Hugh  O'Neill ...., i8i 

IV.  Confiscation  and  Extortion - 188 

V.  The  Catholic  Confederation 194 


-J^ 


8  CONTENT^. 

CHAPTRR  MGB 

VI.  Protestant  Ascendency. 204 

VII.  The  Civil  War 208 

VIII.  Penal  Laws ' 21$ 

IX.  At  Home  and  Abroad , . . .  221 

X.  The  Era  of  Independence 225 

XI.  Tyranny  and  Rebellion 231 

XII.  Catholic  Emancipation 239 

XIII.  Recent  Events. 244 


y 


■Si   : 


PREFACE. 


|HE  history  of  each  nation  has  its  useful  and 
instructive  lessons.  This  is  true  especially 
of  that  of  Ireland,  on  account  of  her  ancient 
renown,  her  unshaken  faith,  and  the  part 
she  has  taken  in  the  affairs  of  the  world.  Yet,  perhaps, 
there  is  no  other  country  of  equal  importance,  about 
which  men  in  general  know  so  little.  Even  her  own 
children  are  actuated  mostly  by  sentiment  in  regard  to 
her,  and  are  almost  wholly  destitute  of  that  accurate 
knowledge  which  inspires  true  patriotism. 

The  objeftt  of  this  little  book,  therefore,  is  to  give  the 
outlines  of  Ireland's  history — to  tell  of  her  traditions  and 
her  heroes,  her  glories  and  her  sorrows — and  thus,  if  possi- 
ble, to  lead  us  to  admire  this  long  afflicted  land. 

The  plan  of  the  work  is  simple  and  partly  new.  It 
embraces  three  parts  :  the  Ancient,  the  Mediaeval,  and 
the  Moderi^.  Each  of  these  is  subdivided  into  two 
periods  :  the  first,  into  the  Traditionary  and  the  Heroic 
Eras  ;  the  second,  into  the  Ages  of  Literature  and  of  the 
Danish  Wars ;  and  the  third,  into  the  epochs  of  Ireland's 
struggle  against  the  English  Catholic  kings,  and  finally, 


I* 


lo  PREFACE. 

against  English  Protestant  rule.  These  divisions  enable 
us  at  once  to  take  a  clear  view  of  the  whole  history. 

Most  writers  on  this  subject  have  confined  themselves 
almost  entirely  to  the  more  recent  events,  but  this  is  an 
oversight,  for,  as  Dr.  Johnson  remarks,  they  begin  too 
late.  "  The  ages,"  says  he,  "  which  deserve  an  exact 
inquiry  are  those — for  such  there  were — when  Ireland 
was  the  school  of  the  West,  the  quiet  habitation  of  sanc- 
tity and  literature." 

In  the  beginning  of  the  book  there  is  a  separate  chap- 
ter explaining  the  plan  of  the  work,  and  before  each  of 
the  three  parts  there  is  another  to  prepare  the  way  for 
what  follows  it.  The  chapters  indeed  are  brief,  but,  on  an 
average,  each  of  them  includes  the  events  of  a  generation. 
In  the  third  part,  they  have  been  grouped  according  to 
events,  because  the  reigns  of  the  English  sovereigns  mark 
no  epochs  in  our  history. 

The  form  into  which  the  work  has  been  put,  seems 
best  adapted  for  the  object  in  view,  as  we  see  from  the 
practice  of  the  Church,  which  always  makes  use  of  the 
Catechism  in  imparting  elementary  instruction. 

In  conclusion  I  may  add,  that  my  best  wishes  for  the 
success  of  this  little  venture,  are  that  its  pages  may 
spread  as  far  and  wide  as  the  Irish  race  itself,  and  that 
they  will  be  read  with  the  same  care,  and  in  the  same 
spirit  with  which  they  were  compiled. 

Newark,  N,  J.,  March  7th,  1878. 


,;«iS^.' 


INTRODUCTION 


|1TH  her  cliffs  beating  back  the  waters  that 
threaten  her  on  every  side,  Ireland  presents  a 
striking  image  of  the  contest  which  her  chil- 
dren have  waged  for  ages,  against  the  bigotry 
and  the  brute  force  that  would  rob  them  of  their  faith, 
their  liberty  and  lives.  Yet,  despite  her  long  sad  story, 
this  famous  sea-girt  island  is  singularly  blessed  by  the  hand 
of  the  Creator. 

Though  little  more  than  three  hundred  miles  long,  and 
one  hundred  and  fifty  broad,  she  has  elements  of  greatness 
that  give  her  much  more  influence  than  her  size  and 
population  would  lead  us  to  suppose.  Thus,  her  site  is 
unrivalled,  her  climate  mild  and  healthful,  her  bright  ver- 
dure perennial.  Her  coast  abounds  in  rich  fisheries,  and 
her  bosom  in  precious  and  useful  minerals.  Large  rivers 
give  easy  access  through  all  the  land,  and  numerous  har- 
bors invite  the  commerce  of  the  world.  She  possesses 
also  every  variety  of  surface.  Hill  and  dale,  lough  and 
plain,  mountain  and  valley  lie  close  together,  and  to  the 
charms  of  delightful  scenery,  add  the  blessing  of  wonder- 


k" 


13  INTRODUCTION. 

ful  fertility.  With  all  these  advantages,  Ireland  would 
seem  destined  by  Providence  to  be  the  seat  of  a  great 
empire.  But  how  different  has  been  her  lot  I  After 
having  known  glory  of  old  and  learned  to  love  it ;  after 
having  been  the  home  of  sanctity  and  science,  she  was 
made  the  victim  of  an  impious  policy,  and  was  despoiled 
for  ages,  that  she  might  become  a  dependent  on  English 
bounty. 

Yet,  even  in  her  desolation,  Ireland  is  still  a  wonder- 
land of  sweet  and  pleasant  memories.  At  every  step  we 
meet  some  noted  relic  of  the  past.  At  one  time  it  is  a 
little  ivy-clad  chapel  nestling  in  a  valley,  or  a  spacious 
monastery  in  an  island-retreat^  or  a  ruined  castle  that 
seems  like  a  guardian  spectre  seated  on  a  hill ;  at  another, 
it  is  some  ancient  rath,  or  cairn,  or  cromlech,  or  round 
tower  whose  origin  and  history  are  now  so  strangely 
mingled  and  confused. 

The  places  remarkable  for  beauty  are  numerous  through- 
out the  country,  but  the  most  famous  are  the  Lakes  of 
Killarney  in  Kerry,  the  vicinity  of  Glendalough  in  Wick- 
low,  and  the  Giant's  Causeway  on  the  coast  of  Antrim, 
This  last  is  a  splendid  work  of  nature,  and  is  reckoned 
among  the  wonders  of  the  world.  It  is  composed  of 
thousands  of  massive  pillars  standing  close  together,  and 
the  whole  mass  of  columns  rising  to  a  height  of  two  hun- 
dred feet,  slopes  down  gradually  six  hundred  feet  to  the  • 
sea,  and  presents  one  of  those  rare,  sublime  spectacles,  in 
which  God  centres  and  manifests  His  power. 


■■f??^> 


r  V- 


EXPLANATORY  CJEiAPTER. 


HAT  is  the  real  signification  of  the  word  "  His- 
tory ?  " 

A.  It  means  inquiry . 
Q.  In  what  sense  is  the  term  commonly 
employed  ? 

A.  It  has  come  to  mean  a  written  narrative  of  past 
events;  an  account  of  the  rise,  progress,  and  fail  of 
nations. 

Q.  Into  how  many  parts  is  history  sometimes  divided  ? 

A.  Into  three  parts ;  Ancient,  Mediaeval,  and  Modem 
History. 

Q.  What  is  meant  by  the  term  "  Ancient  History  ?  " 

A.  By  Ancient  History  is  meant  the  narrative  of  events 
which  took  place  before  the  introduction  of  Christianity. 

Q.  What  is  the  duration  of  Ancient  Irish  History  ? 

A.  It  begins  at  the  colonization  of  Ireland  about  two 
thousand  years  B.C.,  and  ends  with  its  conversion  to  Chris- 
tianity, A.D.  432 — a  space  of  more  than  two  thousand  four 
hundred  years. 

Q.  Into  how  many  periods  is  this  part  divided? 


14  EXPLANATORY  CHAPTER. 

A.  Into  two ;  the  first  called  the  Traditionary  Era, 
extends  from  the  settlement  of  the  country,  B.C.  2035,  to 
the  building  of  the  Palace  of  Emania,  B.C.  350 ;  the  sec- 
ond, known  as  the  Heroic  Era,  embraces  all  the  years 
from  this  last  event  to  the  mission  of  St.  Patrick,  a.d.  432. 

Q.  What  do  you  understand  by  the  phrase  "  Mediaeval 
History  ?  " 

A.  By  Mediaeval  History  is  "liuderstood  the  relation  of 
facts  that  occurred  in  the  country  between  her  conver- 
sion, A.D.  432,  and  the  invasion  of  the  Anglo-Normans, 
A.D.  1 169. 

Q.  What  is  the  length  of  this  second  part  ? 

A.  Seven  hundred  and  thirty-seven  years. 

Q.  How  is  it  divided  ? 

A.  Like  the  preceding,  this  part  is  also  divided  into 
two  periods,  the  first  of  which  extends  from  the  year  of 
grace,  432  to  a.d.  795,  when  the  Danes  appeared  in  the 
island ;  the  second,  from  the  arrival  of  these  invaders  to 
that  of  the  Anglo-Normans,  a.d.  1169. 

Q,  What  was  the  character  of  these  two  eras  ? 

A.  The  latter  was  one  of  incessant  war ;  whereas  the 
former  won  for  Ireland  the  glorious  title  of  "  Isle  of 
Saints,"  on  account  of  the  number  and  extent  of  her 
schools,  and  the  piety  and  learning  of  great  multitudes 
of  her  children. 

Q.  What  is  the  third  and  last  grand  division  of  Irish 
History  ? 

A.  The  last  great  division  includes  all  the  events  that 


^ 


EXPLANATORY  CHAPTER.  15 

befell  the  land  from  the  Anglo-Norman  Invasion  to  the 
present  time. 

Q.  How  many  years  does  this  embrace  ? 

A.  About  seven  hundred. 

Q.  Is  this  part  divided  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  it  is  separated  into  two  periods  by  the  Protes- 
tant Reformation  which  was  introduced  into  Ireland  in 
the  year  1537. 

Q.  Are  these  periods  specially  noted  ? 

A.  Yes ;  like  each  of  the  others,  they  have  their  dis- 
tinguishing characteristics-  The  first  is  the  era  of  Ire- 
land's visitation  by  English  Catholic  kings ;  the  second, 
that  of  her  martyrdom  under  English  Protestant  rule. 


t' 


-V       I 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 


|)art  Imt 


ANCIENT  HISTORY. 

From  the  Colonization  of   Ireland,  b.c.    2035,  to 
ITS  Conversion  to  Christianity,  a.d.  432. 


THE   PRIMITIVE   PERIODS. 

I O W  is  Ancient  Irish  History  divided  ? 
A.  Into  two  periods. 
Q.  What  are  they  ? 

A.  The  Traditionary  and  the  Heroic  Eras. 
Q.  What  is  the  extent  of  the  former  ? 
A.  It  extends  from  the  settlement  of  the  country  to 
the  building  of  Emania — a  period  of  about  one  thousand 
six  hundred  and  eighty-five  years.  t 

Q.  What  space  of  time  does  the  latter  include  ? 
A.  About  seven  hundred  and  eighty-two  years — from 
the  end  of  the  first  period  to  St.  Patrick,  a.d.  432. 
Q.  Is  the  history  of  these  periods  generally  received  ? 
A.  The  history  of  Ireland  goes  back  so  much  farther 
than  that  of  most  modern  nations,  and  the  events  re- 


l8  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

corded  of  early  times  are  often  so  remarkable,  that,  after 
a  cursory  glance,  many  persons  have  doubted  its  credi- 
bility altogether. 

Q.  Is  this  reasonable  ? 

A.  No ;  for  although  those  remote  ages  are  compara- 
tively unknown  to  us,  still,  the  facts  recorded  of  them 
must  not  be  wholly  disregarded,  since  many  of  them  are 
not  without  testimony  and  probability. 

Q.  On  what  subject  is  there  just  ground  for  doubting  ? 

A.  On  the  subject  of  dates,  especially  with  regard  to 
those  in  this  first  part,  where  they  are  mostly  hypotheti- 
cal. 

Q.  Does  this  militate  against  the  truth  of  the  narra- 
tive itself? 

A.  No  ;  because  this  uncertainty  does  not  destroy  the 
facts,  but  only  leaves  us  ignorant  of  the  precise  time  of 
their  occurrence. 

Q.  Can  you  demonstrate  this  in  the  case  of  the  periods 
in  question  ? 

A.  Yes ;  for  instance,  though  uncertain  as  to  the  date, 
still,  all  well-informed  men  acknowledge  that  Ireland  was 
colonized  long  before  the  Birth  of  Christ,  and  that  its 
early  inhabitants  had  their  own  language,  manners,  cus- 
toms, laws,  traditions,  rulers,  and  great  men. 

Q.  What  does  Father  Th6baud,  the  learned  Jesuit,  say 
on  this  subject  ? 

A.  "There  can  be  doubt,"  says  he,  spiking  of  Ire- 
land, "that  this  nation  has  preceded  in  time  all  those 
which  have  flourished  on  the  earth,  with  the  exception, 
perhaps,  of  the  Chinese,  and  that  it  remains  the  same  to- 
day." 

Q.  What  testimony  is  there  to  prove  the  early  settle- 
ment and  civilization  of  Ireland  ? 


:'^W?C- 


CATECHISM   OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  19 

A.  "  The  ruins  which  are  now  explored,  the  relics  of 
antiquity  which  are  often  exhumed,  the  very  implements 
and  utensils  preserved  by  the  careful  hand  of  the  anti- 
quarian—everything, so  different  from  the  lude  flint 
arrows  and  barbarous  weapons  of  our  North  American 
Indians  and  of  the  European  savages  of  the  Stone  Period^ 
denotes  a  state  of  civilization,  astonishing  indeed,  when 
we  reflect  that  real  objects  of  art  embellished  the  dwell- 
ings of  Irishmen  probably  before  the  foundation  of  Rome, 
and  perhaps  when  Greece  was  yet  in  a  slate  of  heroic 
barbarism." — Preface  to  Th'ebaud's  Irish  Race  in  the  Past 
and  the  Present. 

Q.  Are  there  any  written  documents  to  support  this 
view  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  the  same  author  adds  :  "  In  no  nation  in  the 
world  are  there  found  so  many  old  histories,  annals, 
chronicles,  etc.,  as  among  the  Irish  ;  and  that  fact  alone 
suffices  to  prove  that  in  periods  most  ancient  they  were 
truly  a  civilized  nation,  since  they  attached  such  impor- 
tance to  the  records  of  events  then  taking  place  among 
them." 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  these  existing  authorities. 

A.  The  Synchronisms  of  Flann  of  Monasterboice,  a.d. 
1056  J  the  Chronicon  Universale,  or  Universal  Chronicle 
of  Marianus  Scotus,  1086  ;  The  Annals  of  Tighemach, 
Abbot  of  Clonmacnoise,  1088  ;  the  Annals  of  Ulster  by 
Cathal  MacGuire,  1498 ;  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Mas- 
ters, so  cdled  from  the  number  of  their  compilers,  1636  ; 
the  Chronicum  Scotorum  by  Donald  Mac  Ferbis,  1670 ; 
etc.,  etc. 

Q.   What  works  preceded  these  ? 

A.  T'ie  great  national  register  called  the  "  Saltair  of 
Tara,"  compiled  in  the  time  of  Cormac  Ulfada,  a.d.  26/ 


20  CATECim^M  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

the  "  Senchus  M6r,"  a  vast  collection  of  Brehon  Laws, 
compiled  a.  d.  438,  the  "  Saltair  of  Cashel,"  by  Cormac 
Mac  CuUenan,  King  of  Munster  and  Bishop  of  Cashel, 
903  ;  and  more  than  thirty  other  works  whose  titles  are 
known  to  us. 

Q.  From  what  other  sources  did  the  annalists  obtain 
their  information  ? 

A.  From  historic  poems,  tales,  monuments,  and  re- 
mains ;  and  from  the  books  of  genealogies  and  pedigrees 
which  the  Milesians  were  always  careful  to  preserve. 

Q.  Why  did"  they  take  special  care  to  preserve  these 
documents  ? 

A.  Because,  as  one  of  their  historians  remarks,  "  Their 
whole  system  of  society — every  question  as  to  right  of 
property — turned  upon  the  descent  of  families  and  the 
principle  of  clanship  ;  so  that  it  cannot  be  supposed  that 
mere  fables  would  be  tolerated*  instead  of  facts,  where 
every  social  claim  was  to  be- decided  on  their  authority. 
A  man's  name  is  scarcely  mentioned  in  our  annals  with- 
out the  addition  of  his  forefathers'  for  several  generations 
— a  thing  which  rarely  occurs  in  those  of  other  countries." 
— Haverifs  Hist,  of  Ireland. 

Q.  Is  their  truth  proved  in  any  other  way  ? 

A.  It  is ;  for,  says  the  same  authority,  "  When  we 
arrive  at  the  era  of  Christianity  in  Ireland,  we  find  that 
our  ancient  annals  stand  the  test  of  verification  by  science 
with  a  success  which  not  only  establishes  their  character 
for  truthfulness  at  that  period,  but  vindicates  the  records 
of  preceding  dates  involved  in  it." 


FIRST  PERIOD, 

m 

OK 

TRADITIONARY  ERA. 

From  the  Colonization  of  Ireland,  b.c.  2035,  to  the 
Building  of  the  Palace  of  Emania,  b.c.  350. 


CHAPTER  I. 


From  Farlholan,  B.C.  2035,  to  the  Jfilesians^  B.C. 

1234.  ^•' 

jHEN  and  by  whom  was  Ireland  first  colonized  ? 
A.  Tradition   informs   us  that   about  two 
thousand  years    before  Christ,   Ireland  was 
settled  for  the  first  time,  by  a  colony  under 
the  command  of  a  chief  called  Partholan. 
Q.  What  w^  the  fate  of  this  colony  ? 
A.  After  a  residence  of  two  hundred  and  seventy-eight 
years  in  the  country,  all  the  inhabitants  to  the  number  of 
nine   thousand   perished   miserably   by  a  plague.     The 
island  then  remained  uninhabited  for  thirty  years. 
Q.  Who  succeeded  Partholan  ? 

A.  About  the  year  b.c,  1727,  a  chief  named  Nemedius, 
and  his  four  sons  led  a  thousand  colonists  into  Ireland, 
from  the  shores  of  the  Euxine  Sea.  The  Nemedians  lived 
undisturbed  for  two  hundred  and  sixteen   years,  when 


22  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

another  band  of  adventurers  appeared  to  dispute  the  soil 
with  them. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  these  new-comers  ? 

A.  They  are  known  as  Fomorians,  but  they  are  gener- 
ally supposed  to  have  been  Carthaginian  pirates  who 
harassed  the  country  but  made  no  permanent  settlement. 

Q.  Who  were  the  next  invaders  ? 

A.  A  tribe  called  Firbolgs,  whose  origin  is  not  accu- 
rately known,  next  took  possession  of  the  island  under  the 
command  of  the  five  sons  of  Dela.  They  divided  it  into 
five  provinces,  and  are  said  to  have  founded  Tara ;  but 
their  dominion  lasted  only  eighty  years,  when  they  were 
driven  by  a  new  enemy  into  that  part  of  the  country  called 
Con  naught. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  these  last  ? 

A.  The  people  that  dispossessed  the  Firbolgs  are 
thought  to  have  come  originally  from  Greece,  and  are 
known  as  Tuatha  de  Danains.  They  were  idolaters,  skilled 
in  magic,  and  in  all  the  superstitious  arts  practiced  in  the 
East.  Their  sway  over  Banba,  as  Ireland  was  then  called, 
lasted  one  hundred  and  ninety-seven  years. 

Q.  What  did  they  bring  with  them  to  Ireland? 

A.  The  Lia-fail,  or  "  Stone  of  Destiny,"  which  served 
for  ages  as  the  coronation  seat  of  the  Irish  monarchs. 

Q.  What  virtue  was  supposed  to  be  aftached  to  this 
stone  ? 

A.  This  is  shown  by  the  Latin  inscription  upon  it, 
which  is  thus  translated, 

"  Or  fate  is  false,  or  prophecy  is  vain. 
Or  where  this  stone  is  found,  a  Scotic*  king  shall  reign. " 

*  In  ancient  times  Ireland  was  called  Scotia,  and  its  inhabitants, 
Scots. 


mrr 


CATECniSM  OF  IRISH  112 STORY.  2$ 

Q,  Were  there  any  traces  left  on  the  institutions  of 
Ireland  by  these  various  colonies  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  the  Tuatha  de  Danains  had  some  influence  on 
the  religion  of  the  country  in  after  ages.  They  likewise 
established  annual  national  games,  which  were  celebrated 
at  Tailten  in  Meath,  during  thirty  days,  from  the  fifteenth 
of  August  till  the  middle  of  September. 

Q.  In  what  did  these  games  consist  ? 

A.  The  exercises  consisted  in  feats  of  skill  and  prowess, 
horse-racing,  hunting-matches,  wrestling,  foot-racing,  mili- 
tary exercises,  games  at  chess,  and  contests  in  music  and 
poetry.  In  after  times,  also,  parents  were  wont  to 
"match-make,"  or  negotiate  marriages  for  their  children. 

Q.  How  were  the  victors  in  these  games  rewarded  ? 

A.  Besides  receiving  valuable  prizes,  their  fame  was 
sung  by  the  bards,  and  thus  their  names  and  exploits  were 
echoed  throughout  the  land. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  said  of  the  influence  of  these  games  ? 

A.  To  them,  in  great  measure,  must  be  attributed  the 
excellence  in  literature  and  arms  which  afterwards  sig- 
nalized the  Irish  race. 

Q.  When  did  these  peaceful  contests  decline  ? 

A.  Towards  the  end  of  the  eighth  century  ;  and,  on 
the  invasion  of  the  Anglo-Normans,  they  were  discontin- 
ued entirely.  However,  vestiges  of  them  may  still  be 
traced  in  the  pastimes  common  to  the  various  districts  of 
Ireland,  and,  even  now,  though  there  is  no  bard  to  cele- 
brate their  praise,  the  victors  in  these  rural  sports  gener- 
ally receive  some  prize  in  token  of  their  skill. 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE     MILESIANS. 

Heremon  and  Heber,  B.  C.  1234- 

I  HO  were  the  Milesians  ? 

A.  The  Milesians  were  a  nomadic  colony 
which  fifially  established  itself  in  the  north- 
western part  of  Spain,  under  the  leadership 
of  a  famous  chief  called  Milesius. 

Q.  What  origin  do  they  claim  ? 

A.  Their  annals  claim  for  them  a  very  high  antiquity, 
and  even  trace  them  to  Fenius  Farsa.  a  Scythian  prince, 
who  invented  the  first  alphabet,  and  was  the  fourth  in  de- 
scent from  Japheth,  one  of  the  three  sons  of  Noah. 

Q.  What  is  their  history  as  recorded  in  their  annals  ? 

A.  These  state  that,  after  leaving  Asia  under  the  name 
of  Gedalians,  they  wandered  for  many  years  among  the 
isles,  and  along  the  coasts  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  and 
that  they  at  last  settled  in  Spain,  where  they  took  tlie  name 
of  Milesians. 

Q.  By  whom  were  they  led  into  Ireland  ? 

A.  After  the  death  of  Milesius  in  Spain,  his  wife  Scota, 
accompanied  by  her  sons,  led  the  colony  into  Ireland, 
and  subdued  the  Tuatha  de  Danains,  B.C.  1234. 

Q.  What  was  the  condition  of  the  Milesians  on  their 
arrival  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  They  were  completely  civilized,  and  possessed  of  a 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  2$ 

knowledge  of  navigation,  husbandry,  and  manufactures. 
They  were  also  skilled  in  the  arts  of  weaving  and  dyeing, 
and  in  working  metals.     _ 

Q.  Who  were  the  first  rulers  of  the  island  after  the  Con- 
quest ? 

A.  Scota  was  killed  while  directing  her  troops  in  the 
first  battle  with  the  inhabitants,  and  was  succeeded  by  her 
two  sons,  Heremon  and  Heber,  who  divided  the  country 
and  reigned  conjointly. 

Q.  Were  these  the  only  children  of  Milesius  ? 

A.  No  ;  there  was  a  third  brother,  Amergin,  who  seems 
to  have  taken  no  active  part  in  the  invasion.  To  him 
was  assigned  the  office  of  supreme  bard  and  druid  of  the 
island.  From  Ir,  who  perished  in  a  storm  on  the  coast, 
with  four  of  his  brothers,  while  attempting  to  land,  there 
descended  another  branch  of  the  family,  and  at  various 
times  its  members  also  obtained  the  sovereignty.  From 
tWs  Ir,  the  country  received  its  name  of  Ireland,  because, 
as  it  is  said,  he  was  the  first  Milesian  interred  therein. 

Q.  What  dissensions  arose  between  the  two  brothers  ? 

A.  The  wife  of  Heber  coveted  a  rich  and  beautiful 
valley  near  by  in  the  territory  of  Heremon,  and  not  being 
able  to  obtain  it  in  any  other  way,  she  incited  her  husband 
to  a  war  in  which  he  was  defeated  and  slain.  Heremon 
then  extended  his  sway  over  the  whole  island. 

Q.  What  occurred  during  the  reign  of  Heremon  ? 

A.  A  colony  of  strangers  arrived  in  Ireland ;  but  not 
being  allowed  to  make  a  settlement  there,  they  betook 
themselves  to  Albania,  as  Scotland  was  then  called. 
Though  originally  from  Thrace,  they  had  dwelt  for  some 
time  in  Gaul,  where  they  founded  the  city  of  Poitiers  be- 
fore going  to  Ireland. 

Q.  What  is  recorded  of  them  ? 


a6  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  It  is  said  that  they  had  no  women  among  them,  and 
that  the  Milesians  suppUed  them  with  wives  on  condition 
of  their  paying  an  annual  tribute,  and  of  vesting  the  sover- 
eignty in  the  female  line  forever. 

Q.  What  was  the  fortune  of  these  needy  adventurers  ? 

A.  They  took  possession  of  Albania  or  Scotland,  and 
under  the  name  of  Picts,  afterwards  became  formidable  to 
the  Roman  power  in  Britain. 

Q.  How  were  the  Milesians  occupied  at  this  time  ? 

A.  They  were  chiefly  employed  in  hunting  and  fishing 
for  a  sustenance,  and  in  building  roads  and  cutting  down 
the  vast  forests  which  covered  the  island. 

Q.  What  animals  then  abounded  in  Ireland  ? 
f'   A.  The  wolf,  the  red  deer,  the  wild  boar,  the  wolf-dog, 
the  greyhound,  and  the  gigantic  Irish  elk. 

Q.  Name  some  species  of  fish  frequenting  its  waters. 

A.  Herring,  pike,  salmon,  trout,  sunfish,  and  some- 
times, seals  and  whales. 


CHAPTER  HI. 

From  the  Death  of  Heremon,  B.C.  1220,  to  Ollave  Fola^ 

B.C.  918. 

HAT  is  to  be  said  of  the  age  following  the 
reign  of  Heremon  ? 

A.  The  accounts  that  have  reached  us 
concerning  this  epoch  are  very  meagre,  and 
relate  chiefly  to  battles,  the  enactment  of  laws,  the  clear- 
ing of  forests,  to  phenomena  in  nature,  and  to  the  succes- 
sion and  death  of  various  princes. 

Q.  What  was  the  general  character  of  the  Milesians  ? 

A.  They  were  brave,  religious,  hospitable,  and  impul- 
sive. 

Q.  To  what  did  they  principally  devote  themselves  ? 

A.  They  devoted  themselves  almost  exclusively  to 
arms,  and  the  vanquished  tribes  were  compelled  to  labor 
and  to  provide  them  with  the  necessaries  of  life. 

Q.  How  were  these  necessaries  procured  ? 

A.  By  fishing  and  hunting,  pasturage  and  agriculture. 
The  chief  articles  of  food  were  fish,  flesh,  milk,  butter, 
honey,  hesbs,  and  bread  baked  in  ashes.  As  stimulants 
they  had  mead,  and  later  on,  usquebaugh^  or  whiskey. 

Q.  What  was  the  Milesian  dress  ? 

A.  At  first  they  used  pelt,  but  afterwards  their  clothing 
was  generally  made  of  wool  and  dyed  in  a  varie»^y  of 
colors  with  saffron  predominating.     Up  to  the  sixteenth 


28  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

century  the  men  wore  a  yellow  cota  or  shirt ;  a  irttis  or 
tight-fitting  garment,  covering  from  the  waist  to  the 
ankles ;  a  geochal  or  vest,  sometimes  embroidered  with 
silk ;  a  haradh  or  conical  cap ;  also  sandals  or  shoes,  and 
a  falluinn  or  purple  toga  with  a  fringed  border  and  a 
large  collar  of  a  different  color.  This  cloak  reached  al- 
most to  the  knees,  and  was  fastened  on  the  breast  by  a 
clasp,  buckle,  or  brooch,  which  was  often  of  silver  or  of 
gold.  They  wore  their  hair  long,  and  suffered  it  to  grow 
on  the  upper  lip,  but  not  on  the  rest  of  the  face. 

Q.  Describe  the  dress  of  the  women  ? 

A.  The  dress  of  the  women  differed  somewhat  from 
that  of  the  men.  Kfileadh  or  linen  cap  was  their  glory ; 
but  their  chief  garment  was  a  cloth  mantle  reaching  to 
the  knee  and  variously  fringed  and  ornamented.  The 
maidens  wore  their  hair  braided  and  interwoven  with 
ribbons. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  habitations  of  the  Milesians  ? 

A.  When  they  first  landed  in  the  island  they  dwelt 
mostly  in  tents ;  but,  when  well  secured  in  their  posses- 
sions, they  erected  dwellings  of  wood.  These  were  in- 
geniously constructed  of  timber  and  wicker  work,  and 
were  furnished  with  utensils  of  the  same  materials. 

Q.  Were  the  Milesians  remarkable  for  enterprise  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  this  is  proved  by  their  daring  invasion  of  Ire- 
land, and  by  the  exploits  and  enactments  of  various 
kings. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  their  acts. 

A.  Among  other  things,  it  is  related  that  gold  was  dis- 
covered and  worked  in  the  reign  of  Tigemmas  ;  that 
Eocha  I.  distinguished  the  different  grades  of  society  by 
prescribing  a  fixed  number  of  colors  for  the  dress  of  each  ; 
that  Eocha  II.  invaded  Albania  and  forced  the  Picts  to 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  2g 

—^-  - 

pay  tFJbute,  and  that  Aengus  I.  brought  them  entirely 
under  his  authority. 

Q.  What  other  facts  are  recorded  of  this  era? 

A.  Wonderful  as  it  may  appear,  it  is  also  affirmed  that 
Enna  I.  caused  shields  ornamented  with  silver  to  be 
made  for  his  military  officers ;  that  Munemon  distributed 
gold  chains  among  his  favorites  ;  and,  finally,  that  Alder- 
goid  directed  the  ollamhs^  or  learned  men  of  the  realm,  to 
wear  finger-rings  of  the  same  precious  metaL 


CHAPTER  IV. 

From  Oltave  Fola,  B.C.  918,  to  Sedna  JI.,  B.C.  650. 

|0W  many  reigns  are  included  in  this  section  of 
Irish  histpi7  ? 

A.  There  are  sixteen   Ardrighs    or   Su- 
preme  Monarchs,  with  an  average  reign  of 
sixteen  years. 

Q.  Which  of  these  effected  a  great  improvement  in 
the  general  legislation  of  the  country  ?  " 

A.  OUave  Pola,  the  famous  legislator,  who  organized 
the  system  by  which  Ireland  was  governed  for  many  cen- 
turies. 

Q.  By  what  means  did  he  accomplish  this  improve- 
ment ? 

A.  By  establishing  a  Feis,  or  national  assembly,  to  meet 
at  Tara  every  third  year  about  the  feast  of  Samhain^  the 
first  of  November,  to  regulate  the  affairs  of  the  whole 
kingdom.  ' 

Q.    Of  whom  was  this  assembly  composed  ? 

A.  It  was  composed  of  the  most  exalted  of  the  nobles, 
the  druids  and  the  chiefs,  together  with  the  four  provin- 
cial kings,  and  was  presided  over  by  the  Ardrigh  in 
person. 

Q.  What  regulations  governed  its  meetings  ? 

A.  It  met  in  a  religious  season,  and  was  opened  with 
great  solemnity.  The  members  took  seats  according  to 
their  rank   and  descent,    and  during   the   session  were 


»WB?-'^'': 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  31 

secured  from  violence  by  a  law  inflicting  the  penalty  of 
death  on  disturbers  of  the  peace.  Even  the  monarch 
could  not  pardon  a  person  guilty  in  this  respect. 

Q.  What  were  the  chief  duties  of  the  Feis  ? 

A.  It  decreed  and  annulled  the  laws ;  examined  and 
certified  the  genealogies  of  families;  compared"  the 
annals  of  the  different  provinces ;  and,  if  found  authentic, 
approved  them,  and  entered  the  portions  of  general  inter- 
est in  the  National  Register  called  the  Saltair  of  Tara.  It 
also  dedased  peace  and  war,  regulated  the  offices  and 
occupations  of  the  people,  and  attended  to  the  general 
welfare  of  the  nation. 

Q.  What  other  wise  acts  are  recorded  of  OUave  Fola  ? 

A.  He  assigned  lands  to  the  professors  of  the  various 
arts  then  known  ;' founded  a  school  at  Tara,  which  was 
afterwards  celebrated  as  the  "  house  of  the  learned,"  and 
instituted  coats  of  arms  for  all  the  great  chiefs  of  the 
realm.     Hjs  reign  lasted  thirty-eight  years. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  progress  of  the  country  after  the 
death  of  OUave  Fola  ? 

A.  After  his  death  many  of  his  enactments  fell  into 
disuse,  and  no  great  progress  was  made  for  some  years. 

Q.  Kame  a  few  of  his  more  noted  successors  ? 

A.  Fiacha  III.,  who  built  the  city  of  Kells  in  Mealh, 
and  caused  wells  to  be  dug  ;  Rotheacta  II.,  who  was  the 
first  in  Ireland  to  use  horse-chariots  both  in  war  and  in 
travelling ;  and  Art  I.,  who  erected  seven  large  ratfis  or 
forts  in  his  dominions. 

Q.  What  was  the  residence  of  the  Ardrigh  ? 

A.  The  Ardrigh  usually  resided  at  Tara,  in  the  prov- 
ince of  Meath,  over  which  he  had  sole  rule.  His  palace, 
or  national  house,  is  described  as  being  five  hundred  feet 
long,  sixty  feet  wide,  and  one  hundred  high.     It  had  four- 


32  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

teen  entrances,  accommodated  one  thousand  persons, 
and  was  provided  with  courts,  banqueting  rooms,  and  a 
library. 

Q.  What  was  the  authority  of  the  Ardrigh  ? 

A.  Besides  possessing  many  extensive  local  rights 
throughout  the  island,  he  exercised  supremacy  over  the 
four  provincial  kings. 

Q.  What  attendants  were  considered  necessary  to  his 
dignity  ? 

A.  Namely :  a  druid  to  offer  sacrifice ;  a  doctor  to 
guard  his  health ;  a  gentleman  companion  to  give  him 
wise  counsel ;  a  bard  to  sing  his  glory  ;  a  brehon  to 
administer  justice  in  his  name ;  an  oUamh  to  preserve  his 
genealogies,  alliances,  and  noble  deeds ;  and  three  stew- 
ards to  superintend  the  affairs  of  his  royal  household. 

Q.  What  law  regulated  the  succession  to  all  dignities 
in  Ireland  ? 

A.  The  law  of  Tanistry.  Though  the  eldest  son  or 
nephew  of  each  prince  usually  succeeded  him,  this  law 
provided  that  the  candidate  for  power  should  be  elected 
by  the  clansmen  ;  after  which  he  might  assume  the  name 
of  Tanist  or  successor,  during  the  life-time  of  the  actual 
ruler.  If,  however,  as  was  frequently  the  case,  the  heir 
apparent  was  not  acceptable  to  the  people,  any  one  of  his 
kindred  might  be  chosen  in  his  place.  Thus  the  dignity 
was  hereditary'  as  to  the  family,  but  elective  as  to  the 
person.  The  successor  to  the  Ardrigh  was  styled  Roy- 
damna  or  King  Successor. 

Q.  What  was  the  general  effect  of  this  law  ? 

A.  It  was  a  fruitful  source  of  frequent  strife  in  the 
supreme  government,  and  in  the  provincial  kingdoms, 
as  well  as  in  the  smallest  principality  in  the  land. 

Q.  Who  were  the  provincial  kings  ? 

i 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  33 

A.  They  were  the  rulers  of  Leinster,  Ulster,  Munster, 
and  Connaught  Although  independent  of  each  other, 
and  possessing  the  title  of  Righ  or  King,  nevertheless 
they  owed  submission  to  the  Ardrigh  or  High  King,  and 
were  chosen  in  accordance  with  the  law  of  Tanistry. 

Q.  Mention  the  ancient  capitals  of  these  rulers. 

A.  Leighlin  for  the  province  of  Leinster ;  Emania  for 
that  of  Ulster ;  Cashel  for  Munster ;  and  Cruchain  for 
Connaught. 

Q.  Were  these  provinces  subdivided  ? 

A.  Yes ;  these  were  again,  divided  into  districts,  and 
ruled  by  a  multitude  of  princes  who  acknowledged  the 
authority  of  their  respective  provincial  kings. 


CHAPTER  V. 

From  Sedna  II.,  B.  C.  650,  to  Kimbaeth,  B.  C.  350. 

HAT  is  the  average  duration  of  the  reigns  of 
this  epoch  ? 

A.  From  Sedna  II.  to  Kimbaeth  twenty 
supreme  rulers  held  the  sceptre  during  an 
average  reign  of  fifteen  years  each. 

Q.  Couple  the  names  and  deeds  of  a  few  of  them. 

A.  Sedna  II.  was  the  author  of  a  military  code^and  the 
first  to  compensate  soldiers  for  their  services.  Enna  II. 
had  silver  money  coined,  some  of  which  is  still  preserved. 
On  one  side  they  have  an  impression  of  that  monarch's 
head  ;  on  the  other  the  figure  of  Erin  bearing  in  her  hand 
a  wand  entwined  with  a  serpent.  There  are  also  other 
ancient  coins,  some  in  the  form  of  rings,  and  others  flat, 
with  a  horse  on  one  side  and  a  head  encircled  with  a  hel- 
met on  the  obverse.  Eocha  VI.  is  likewise  worthy  of 
mention  as  the  inventor  of  the  curragh,  a  species  of 
wicker-boat. 

Q.  What  was  the  religion  of  the  Milesians  ? 

A.  It  was  a  system  of  druidism,  probably  the  same  as 
prevailed  at  Tyre  and  her  colonies,  but  without  its  revolt- 
ing sacrifices. 

Q.  Mention  their  chief  deities. 

A.  Baal  or  Beal  was  the  god  of  the  sun,  and  R6,  the 
goddess  of  the  moon.  The  former  was  honored  espe- 
cially on  the  eve  of  the  first  of  May,  the  great  feast  of 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  35 

Beltain6  (the  fires  of  Beal),  the  latter  on  that  of  the  first 
of  November,  the  festival  of  Samhain  (peace-fires).  The 
only  artificial  object  of  devotion  was  an  idol  called 
Crom,  which  they  venerated  for  a  time  as  the  symbol  of 
the  Creator. 

Q.  Were  there  any  other  gods  honored  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  Yes ;  the  Tuatha  de  Danains  had  their  own  divini- 
ties. They  worshipped  Danaan  as  the  mother  of  all  the 
gods,  Buanann  as  the  queen  of  warlike  heroes,  and  Man- 
a-nan  as  the  god  of  the  waters.  The  latter  was  also 
called  MacLir,  that  is,  son  of  the  sea.  Bridh  or  Bride  was 
honored  by  the  learned  as  the  goddess  of  wisdom  and 
poetry.  ' 

Q.  Besides  the  gods,  in  what  did  the  people  firmly  be- 
lieve ? 

A.  They  believed  that  besides  the  great  deities,  nume- 
rous other  spirits  dwelt  in  the  heavens,  the  earth,  and  the 
sea.  and  in  the  fire,  the  air,  and  the  clouds.  Their 
favorite  haunts,  however,  were  supposed  to  be  wells, 
fountains,  streams,  rivers,  lakes,  groves,  woods,  and 
mountains. 

Q.  Which  are  the  best  known  of  these  spirits  ? 

A.  The  Phooka,  a  malignant  sprite,  who  assumed 
various  shapes,  and  delighted  to  lure  people  to  destruc- 
tion ;  and  the  Banshee,  a  female  spirit,  that  came  to  an- 
nounce some  approaching  death  by  sobs  and  other  signs 
of  grief, 

Q.  What  sacrifices  were  offered  by  the  Milesians  ? 

A.  In  peace  they  offered  the  fruits  of  the  earth ;  in 
war,  the  spoils  of  their  enemies  ;  and  in  times  of  special 
<langer,  domestic  animals. 

Q.  Had  they  priests  among  them  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  there  was  a  class  called  Druids,  and  these  har* 


36  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

the  exclusive  right  to  officiate  in  the  worship  offered  to 
the  deities. 

Q.  What  influence  was  possessed  by  the  druids  ? 

A.  Their  power  was  unbounded.  They  had  a  special 
insignia,  and  their  persons  were  considered  sacred. 
Neither  peace  nor  war  was  made  without  their  sanction. 
They  practiced  magic  and  were  often  employed  as  heralds 
by  the  princes.  The  choice  things  of  the  land  were  theirs. 
All  the  orders  of  the  state,  the  old  and  the  young,  the 
women  and  the  warriors,  were  equally  respectful  in  their 
presence. 

Q.  Who  were  the  OUamhs  so  often  mentioned  in  our 
history  ? 

A.  This  term  was  applied  to  those  who  were  considered 
perfect  in  the  joint  domain  of  literature  and  philosophy, 
which  sciences  were  usually  blended  under  the  common 
name  of  Wisdom  (Filedecht)  in  which  there  were  seven 
grades  (gradha),  namely :  law,  history,  metaphysics,  gram- 
mar, music,  druidism,  and  poetry. 

Q.  Mention  the  other  acquirements  of  an  ollamh. 

A.  Before  being  ordained  or  made  an  ollamh,  each 
candidate  was  required  to  be  master  of  three  hundred 
and  fifty  historic  tales,  and  to  be  proficient  in  the  gen- 
ealogies of  the  Milesian  tribes.  He  should  also  be  versed 
in  scanning,  criticism,  and  versification,  and  be  able  to 
improvise  in  the  seven  kinds  of  poetry.  But  with  all  his 
knowledge,  he  was  to  be  civil  in  tongue,  free  from  crime, 
and  pure  in  morals. 

Q.  What  were  the  duties  of  an  ollamh  ? 

A.  .To  solve  difficulties  in  history  and  genealogy,  to 
settle  disputes  concerning  boundaries,  to  instruct  chil- 
dren in  wisdom,  and  to  recite  his  stories  for  the  pleasure 
and  information  of  princes  and  people. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISl ORY.  37 

Q,  What  were  the  privileges  of  his  order  ? 

A.  Their  privileges  were  numerous.  The  head  of  the 
order  ranked  next  to  the  king,  and  each  member  was 
allowed  an  income  of  "  twenty-one  cows  and  their  grass," 
with  six  horses,  two  hounds,  and  refections  for  his  pupils, 
assistant  tutors,  and  twenty-four  attendants.  Besides,  he 
had  the  right  of  asylum  or  of  giving  temporary  protection 
against  injury  and  arrest.  The  other  grades  in  wisdom 
enjoyed  like  privileges  according  to  their  rank  and 
acquirements. 

Q.  What  were  the  other  orders  ? 

A.  The  Shanachy^  or  historian  ;  the  Brehon,  or  judge ; 
the  Feinigh,  or  story-teller  ;  the  File^  or  poet,  and  the 
Bard,  or  musician. 

Q.  Which  of  these  excelled  in  numbers  ? 

A.  The  bards,  who  were  so  numerous  that  each  chief 
had  one  or  more  of  them  in  his  service.  The  duty  of 
these  was  to  sing  the  praises  of  their  patron,  and  the  glo- 
ries of  his  race  and  clan. 

Q.  What  was  their  usual  instrument  ? 

A.  The  harp  was  their  favorite  instrument,  but  many 
of  them  were  also  skilled  in  the  use  of  the  pipes,  the 
violin,  the  trumpet,  and  the  clarion. 

Q.  What  kind  of  writing  was  often  employed  by  the 
literary  orders  ? 

A,  They  used  a  species  of  mysterious  writing  called 
Ogham,  which  is  best  illustrated  by  the  names  in  which 
physicians  write  their  prescriptions  at  the  present  day. 


SECOND  PERIOD. 

THE    HEROIC    ERA. 

From  the  Buildin-g  of    Emania,   b.c.   350,  to    thk 
Mission  of  St.  Patrick,  a.d.  432. 


CHAPTER  I. 

From  Kimbaeth,  B.C.  350,  to  Aengus  III.,  B.C.  130. 

I  AS  Ireland  known  to  the  Carthaginians  ? 

A.  Yes;  it  is  quite  certain  that  it  was 
known  to  them  at  least  500  years  before 
Christ,  when  Hamilcar  was  sent  by  tlie  Car- 
thaginian Senate  to  explore  the  coast  of  Europe  beyond 
the  Pillars  of  Hercules.  Though  the  account  of  their 
expedition  is  lost,  copious  extracts  from  it  are  preserved 
in  the  poem  entitled  "  Ora  Maritima,"  written  by  Festus 
Avienius.  After  describing  vaiious  places,  Avienius 
goes  on  to  say  in  a  passage  literally  translated  from  the 
Latin, 

"  Thence  in  two  days,  a  good  ship  in  sailing 
Reaches  the  Holy  Isle — so  was  she  called  of  old — 
That  in  the  sea  nestles,  whose  turf  exuberant 
The  race  of  Hibernians  tills." 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  39 

Q.  Was  the  country  also  known  to  the  ancient  Greeks  ? 

A.  Yes;  it  was  also  mentioned  about  this  same  time 
by  the  two  Greek  writers,  Hecataeus  and  Onamacritus  , 
and,  not  to  quote  others,  some  years  later  the  philosopher 
Aristotle  designated  it  by  the  name  of  lerne. 

Q.  What  idea  did  the  ancients  have  of  the  country  and 
its  inhabitants? 

A.  According  to  them  it  was  a  fertile  land,  situated  in 
the  remote  regions  of  the  North,  beyond  the  domain  of 
Boreas,  or  North  Wind.  Its  inhabitants  were  a  sacred 
peoi)le,  abstaining  from  the  flesh  of  animals,  dwelling  in 
perpetual  sunshine,  living  a  thousand  years  in  innocence 
and  peace,  and  spending  their  time  amidst  the  delights  of 
music  and  dancing. 

Q.  From  whom  did  they  obtain  a  fuller  knowledge  of 
the  country  ? 

A.  From  the  adventurous  Phoenician,  Etruscan,  and 
Carthaginian  tiaders  who  frequented  the  ports  of  Ireland 
for  the  sake  of  traffic  and  commerce. 

Q.  Why  is  this  period  called  the  Heroic  Era  ? 

A.  It  is  so  called  on  account  of  the  warlike  exploits 
enacted  in  the  land ;  but  principally  because  of  the  great 
military  expeditions  sent  into  other  countries. 

Q.  What  ceremony  shows  the  martial  character  of  the 
Milesians  ? 

.  A.  It  is  said  that  in  their  eagerness  to  rear  up  a  warlike 
race,  mothers  used  to  give  the  first  morsel  of  food  to  their 
male  children  on  the  point  of  a  sword. 

Q.  How  many  monarchs  occupied  the  throne  from 
Kimbaeth  to  Aengus  III.  ? 

A.  Sixteen  mouarchs  are  said  to  have  held  sway  during 
that  period  —  each  with  an  average  reign  of  thirteen 
years. 


4©  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  great  work  was  executed  under  Kimbaeth  ? 

A.  The  building  of  the  large  and  sumptuous  palace  of 
Emania,  the  residence  of  the  provincial  kings  of  Ulster, 
B.  c.  350. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  this  edifice  ? 

A.  It  was  the  most  elaborate  structure  of  its  time,  and 
was  erected  principally  by  the  energy  of  Macha,  the  wife 
of  the  monarch.  It  afterwards  became  the  headquarters 
of  the  Red  Branch  Knights,  and  remained  in  their  pos- 
session until  its  destruction,  A.D.  331. 

Q.  How  is  this  palace  otherwise  noteworthy  ? 

A.  Its  erection  marks  an  epoch  in  our  history,  because, 
henceforth,  the  records  of  the  country  become  more  re- 
liable and  satisfactory. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  the  monarchs  of  this  epoch. 

A.  Eoghan  Mor  who  invaded  Albania  and  divided  Ire- 
land into  twenty-five  districts,  which  he  apportioned 
among  his  sons ;  Laurad,  who  fled  to  Gaul,  and  returned 
in  triumph  at  the  head  of  two  thousand  adventurers  ;  and 
Aengus  II.  "who,"  says  the  annalist,  **led  his  victorious 
armies  against  the  Greeks,  and  was  saluted  conqueror  of 
Greece."  ( 

Q.  What  means  had  the  Milesians  for  carrying  on 
expeditions  ? 

A.  Besides  their  "  curraghs,"  or  light  trading  vessels, 
in  which  they  ventured  into  the  most  tempestuous  seas, 
tliey  possessed  large  war-ships  impelled  by  as  many  as 
seventy  oars. 


1  CHAPTER  II. 

From  Aengus  III.,  B.C.  130,  to  Conaire  Mor,  B.C.  2. 

jY  what  names  was  Ireland  known  among  the 
Milesians  ? 

A.  They  usually  called    it    Inis-fail,   the 
"Isle  of  Destiny;"  Inis-ealga,  the  "Noble 
Island."  and  Eire,  after  a  celebrated  queen  of  that  name. 
The  last  term  is  still  used  under  the  modified  form  Erin. 
.  Q.  What  name  was  employed  at  a  later  date  ? 

A.  About  the  beginning  of  the  Christian  Era  it  was 
frequently  called  Scotia,  in  honor  of  the  Milesian  heroine 
of  that  name.  After  the  invasion  of  Albania  by  the  de- 
scendant of  Aengus  III.,  that  country  was  also  called 
Scotia  by  the  conquerors,  in  honor  of  their  native  land, 
but  with  the  addition  of  Minor,  signifying  the  Lesser,  to 
distinguish  it  from  the  mother  country,  which,  from  that 
time  down  to  the  eleventh  century,  was  known  as  Scotia 
Major ^  or  the  Greater  Scotia. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  this  epoch  ? 
A.  The  country  was  kept  in  a  ferment  by  the  dissen- 
sions of  its  princes,  and  by  the  extensive  foreign  expedi- 
tions that  took  place  from  time  to  time. 

Q.  How  many  nionarchs  were  there  between  Aengus 
III.  and  Conaire  Mor.? 
A.  Fifteen. 


4a  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  Mention  the  most  noted  among  them  ? 

A.  Roderick  I.,  a  famous  warrior;  Jodnmar,  who  de- 
feated the  Picts ;  Congall  II.,  in  whose  time  Julius  Caesar, 
the  Roman  general,  invaded  Britain;  Eocha  IX.,  who 
effected  great  pohtical  changes  in  the  country;  and 
Nuada  II.,  the  progenitor  of  the  Fiann,  or  military  order 
of  Leinster. 

Q.  What  princess  of  this  age  is  famous  in  our  day  ? 

A.  Meave,  or  Maud,  a  celebrated  queen  of  Connaught,  • 
who  has  been  metamorphosed  by  the  poet  Spenser  into 
Mab,  the  '*  Faery  Queen  "  of  English  mythology. 

Q.  When  did  regular  military  orders  arise^in  Ireland  ? 

A.  From  the  time  of  Sedna  11.^  b»C  650,  there  existed  a 
kind  of  militia,  but  it  was  not  until  about  the  year  B.C. 
100  that  each  province  had  a  separate  military  organi- 
zation. 

Q.  Give  their  names  ? 

A,  In  Leinster  the  Fiann  Erin  ;  in  Munster,  the  Clan- 
Degaid ;  in  Ulster,  the  Knights  of  the  Red  Branch  ;  and 
in  Connaught,  the  Clanna  Morna,  or  Gamanraide. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  these  organizations  ? 

A.  They  were  composed  of  picked  men,  who  were 
trained  to  the  use  of  arms  from  childhood,  but  they  were 
under  little  or  no  discipline,  and  instead  of  a  blessing,  they 
proved  a  great  curse  to  the  country  at  large. 

Q.  How  were  they  organized  ? 

A.  The  organization  of  all  was  much  the  same.  There 
was  an  officer  for  each  group  of  nine,  another  over  fifty, 
a  captain  over  a  hundred,  a  leader  over  a  thousand,  a 
commander  over  three  thousand,  and  a  chief  or  king  of 
the  Fiann  over  the  whole  body,  which  is  supposed  to 
have  numbered  about  nine  thousand. 

Q.  How  were  they  maintained  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  43 

A.  From  the  feast  of  Samhain,  on  the  first  of  Novem- 
ber, till  that  of  Beltain^,  on  the  first  of  May,  they  had  the 
])rivilege  of  bonaght,  or  free  quarters  among  the  people. 
During  the  remaining  six  months  of  the  year  they  lived 
by  hunting,  and  on  the  stipend  received  from  the  kings 
whom  they  served  in  exacting  fines  and  tributes,  and  in 
putting  down  robbers,  enemies,  and  disturbers  of  the  pub- 
lic peace. 

Q.  What  weapons  did  they  use  ? 

A.  They  used  a  short  lance,  the  bow  and  arrow,  a 
long  javelin,  a  sword  or  skene  about  fifteen  inches  long, 
and  a  lia  or  stone-axe,  which  was  hurled  at  the  enemy. 
Even  at  das^arly  day  some  of  the  chiefs  fought  in  chari- 
ots. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  their  uniform  ? 

A.  Their  uniform  resembled  the  ordinary  dress  of  the 
people,  except  that  private  soldiers  wore  two  colors,  offi- 
cers, three,  and  chiefs,  five.  Their  most  serviceable  gar- 
ment was  a  large  cloak  {cochal)  which  they  used  at  night  1 
as  a  blanket,  and,  in  battle,  as  a  protection  to  the  left 
arm.  As  was  a  universal  custom  amongst  the  Milesians, 
they  wore  a  moustache  {crommeal)  and  flowing  hair 
{coolun). 

Q.  What  was  their  war-cry  ? 

A.  Like  the  Romans  they  had  a  regular  battle-cry, 
which  was  Farrah  I  Farrah  I — meaning  Fall  on  !  Fall 
on  ! 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  their  leaders. 

A.  A  long  list  of  these  military  champions  has  come 
down  to  us,  but  the  most  celebrated  at  this  era  were  Cu- 
chuUin,  Conall  Cearnach,  Fergus  MacRoigh,  Connor 
MacNessa,  King  of  Ulster,  and  his  son  Cormac,  surnamed 
Conloingeas,  or  the  exile. 


44  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  their  exploits  ? 

A.  According  to  the  bards,  they  were  the  heroes  of 
numberless  raids,  battles,  sieges,  and  expeditions.  Their 
greatest  fame,  however,  was  won  in  a  war  carried  on  bj 
Meav,  Queen  of  Connaught,  against  Connor,  King  of 
Ulster. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Fri/m  Conaire  Mdr,  B.  C.  2,  to  Tuathal  Tectmar^  A.  1), 

95- 

BAS  Ireland  known  to  the  Romans  ? 

A.  Yes ;  it  is  mentioned  by  Diodorus  Sic- 
nlus  who  calls  it  Iris^  and  by  the  geographer 
Strabo,  who  designated  it  as  the  farthest 
point  north  for  commerce.  Moreover,  Pomponius  Mela 
speaks  of  it  under  the  name  Iverna ;  Pliny  styles  it 
Hybernia^  Solinus  calls  it  Hibernia,  while  Ptolemy  de- 
scribes it  with  much  general  accuracy. 

Q.  What  idea  did  these  writers  form  of  it  ? 

A.  They  agree  as  to  its  fertility,  the  richness  of  its  pas- 
tures, and  its  many  naturiil  advantages. 

Q.   How  was  this  opinion  verified  under  Conaire  Mor  ? 

A.  The  harvests  were  abundant,  and  peace,  plenty, 
and  contentment  were  throughout  the  land. 

Q.  What  great  event  took  place  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Amid  profound  and  universal  peace,  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Saviour  of  the  world  and  Prince  of  Peace,  came  upon 
the  earth  and  inaugurated  His  wonderful  mission.  The 
place  of  His  birth  was  Bethlehem,  a  town  in  the  Province 
of  Judea. 

Q.  How  many  monarchs  reigned  between  Conair6  and 
Tuathal  ? 

A.  Between  these  two  there  were  eight  monarchs  with 
an  average  reign  of  twelve  years  ;  the  most  noted  of  them 


^*. 


46  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

was  Crimthan  II.,  who  went  on  an  expedition,  piobably  to 
Gaul,  from  which  he  returned  loaded  with  booty. 

Q.  What  took  place  at  the  death  of  Crimthan  II.  ? 

A.  After  his  death  the  descendants  of  the  Firbolgs  in 
Connaught  conspired  against  the  dominant  race,  and,  at 
a  feast  given  by  them  pn  the  eve  of  electing  a  new  mon- 
arch, they  treacherously  fell  upon  the  Milesian  nobles, 
and,  murdering  most  of  them,  raised  to  the  throne  Carbr6 
I.,  one  of  their  own  race,  a.  d.  56, 

Q.  Did  the  Milesian  line  regain  the  throne  ? 

A.  .Yes  ;  after  an  unprosperous  reign  of  five  years  the 
usurper  died  of  a  plague,  and  through  the  unparalleled 
generosity  of  Moran,  his  son  and'  Heir,  the  sceptre 
was  restored  to  the  rightful  line  in  the  person  of  Ferar 
dach  I. 

Q.  What  occurred  soon  afterwards  ? 

A.  Under  the  reign  of  Fiacha  VI.  the  Roman  general 
Plaulius  attacked  the  isle  of  Anglesey,  and  the  event  is 
memorable  from  the  fact  that  then,  for  the  first  time,  the 
conquerors  of  the  world  encountered  a  section  of  that 
Irish  militia,  which,  under  the  name  of  Scots,  was  yet  to 
give  them  so  much  annoyance  in  Britain. 

Q.  What  new  disturbance  took  place  ? 

A.  The  ever  restless  Firbolgs  revolted  a  second  time, 
and  were  joined  by  several  princes  against  the  ruling 
monarch.  The  head  of  this  insurrection  was  Elim,  King 
of  Ulster,  and  so  successful  was  he  that  he  assumed  su- 
preme power,  while  Tuathal,  the  lawful  heir,  had  to  flee 
for  his  life. 

Q.  Did  the  people  suffer  from  these  frequent  wars  ? 

A.  They  did,  but  not  so  much  as  might  be  expected. 

Q.  Why  was  this  ?^ 

A.  Because  all  over  the  land  there  were  houses  of 


•y^-iv; 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  47 

hospitality  belonging  to  the  state,  and  there  the  poor  and 
needy  could  obtain  food  and  shelter  free  of  charge. 

Q.  How  were  these  houses  maintained  ? 

A.  Each  of  them  had  a  superintendent  (betagh),  who 
procured  the  necessary  supplies  from  a  large  and  well 
stocked  farm  under  his  charge. 

Q.  When  did  these  houses  cease  to  exist  ? 

A.  ARei"  the  iiitroduction  of  Christianity  they  were 
transferred  to  the  clergy,  who  continued  the  ancient  cus- 
tom till  the  time  of  James  I.,  when  the  betagh  lands  were 
all  confiscated. 

Q.  What  other  custom  was  anciently  in  vogue  ? 

A.  That  oi  fostering — a  very  ancient  usage  by  which 
the  children  of  the  chiefs  were  suckled  and  reared  in  the 
families  of  their  followers. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  said  of  this  practice  ? 

A.  It  formed  a  bond  of  union  between  princes  and  peo- 
ple, and  its  ties  were  held  as  sacred  as  those  of  actual  re- 
lationship. This  is  fully  shown  by  the  extreme  devotion 
which  children  continued  to  cherish  for  their  foster-par- 
ents, and  for  those  who  had  been  brought  up  with  theni- 
selves. 


CHAPTER  IV. 
Tuathal  l^ectmar,  A.D.  95  to  125. 


I OW  long  did  Tuathal  Tectmar  reign  ? 
A.  During  thirty  years. 
^  Q.  Why  is  he  called  Tectmar^  which  signi- 
fies welcome  ? 

A.  Because,  when  he  sought  to  gain  the  throne,  the 
people  hailed  him  as  the  legitimate  monarch,  who  was  to 
deliver  them  from  the  yoke  of  Elim,  the  usurper. 

Q.  Will  you  relate  how  this  was  accomplished  ? 

A.  Tuathal  was  the  only  son  of  Fiacha  VI.,  who  was 
slain  by  the  rebellious  Firbolgs.  Having  escaped  death 
by  fleeing  into  Britain,  he  returned  after  twenty  years,  and, 
with  the  assistance  of  the  Milesian  nobles,  defeated  the 
rebels  and  ascended  the  throne  of  his  ancestors. 

Q.  What  act  secured  his  power  ? 

A.  He  convened  the  Feis  or  National  Assembly  of 
Tara,  and  had  himself  elected  by  the  members  ;  then  he 
exacted  a  promise  from  them,  to  which  they  swore  by 
all  the  elements,  that  the  sovereignty  of  Ireland  should 
remain  in  his  family  for  ever. 

Q.  What  marks  of  esteem  did  Tuathal  receive  from  the 
provinces  ? 

A.  Each  of  them  granted  him  a  portion  of  land  con- 
tiguous to  Meath,  and,  thus  enlarged,  this  province  was 
ever  afterwards  the  special  domain  of  the  Ardrigh. 

Q.  How  did  he  requite  this  generosity? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  49 

A.  In  each  of  the  new  portions  of  Meath  he  built  or 
embellished  a  royal  residence.  The  first  of  these  was 
Tara,  which  he  enlarged  and  beautified ;  the  second,  at 
Tlachta,  where,  on  the  eve  of  Samhain,  the  first  of 
November,  was  held  the  festival  of  the  Fires  of  Tlachta, 
at  which  the  druids  assembled  to  sacrifice  to  all  the  gods. 
During  this  feast  other  fires  were  to  be  extinguished  under 
penalty  of  death,  and  new  ones  being  lighted  from  the 
sacred  fire,  the  king  of  Munster  received  a  tax  of  three 
pence  for  every  new  fire,  because,  as  the  annalist  says, 
the  land  on  which  Tlachta  stood  had  been  given  up  by 
Munster. 

Q.  Where  was  his  third  residence  ? 

A.  At  Usinach  in  Connaught.  On  the  eve  of  Beltain^, 
the  first  of  May,  it  was  the  custom  to  light  two  fires  in 
every  district  in  honor  of  the  idol  Baal,  and  to  drive  a 
pair  of  each  kind  of  cattle  between  them,  as  a  remedy 
against  disease.  This  ceremonj^was  unusually  attractive 
at  Usinach,  hence,  Tuathal  ordered  that  every  chieftain 
who  attended  the  celebration,  should  present  a  horse  and 
an  outfit  to  the  king  of  Connaught,  because,  again,  the 
ground  on  which  Usinach  stood,  had  been  taken  from 
Connaught. 

Q.  What  was  the  fourth  residence  of  Tuathal  ? 

A.  At  Tailten,  where,  in  August  of  each  year,  the 
national  games  had  been  held  from  time  immemorial. 
During  these  exercises,  youths  and  maidens  came  from  all 
parts  of  the  kingdom  to  be  mated  by  their  parents  ;  and, 
from  each  couple  that  got  married  there,  the  king  of 
Ulster  received  a  small  silver  coin,  because,  in  fine,  the 
ground  on  which  Tailten  stood,  had  belonged  to  Ulster.  I 

Q.  Describe  the  marriage  ceremonies  as  here  con- 
ducted. 

3 


50  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  After  the  parents  or  guardians  had  "made  the 
match,"  and  settled  the  dowry  of  the  bride,  the  bride- 
groom presented  a  garland  of  flowers  to  his  affianced,  and 
led  her  to  the  public  altar,  whefe  a  druid  performed  the 
marriage  rite. 

Q.  What  has  since  been  discovered  at  Tailten  ? 

A.  There  have  been  found  several  caves  which  Edward 
Llhwyd,  the  Welsh  antiquary  says,  '*  are  equal  to  any  time- 
honored  remnants  of  architecture,  of  which  a  Palmyra  or 
a  Babylon  could  boast."  The  most  remarkable  is  that  at 
New  Grange,  which  is  eighty  feet  high,  four  hundred  paces 
in  circumference,  and  is  said  to  contain  one  hundred  and 
eighty  thousand  stones. 

Q.  What  unfortunate  occurrence  took  place  under 
Tuathal? 

A.  Eocha  Anchean,  King  of  Leinster  espoused  Daring, 
one  of  the  daughters  of  Tuathal,  and,  after  some  time, , 
pretended  that  she  had  died.  Then  he  obtained  the  hand 
of  Fithir,  the  monarch's  other  daughter ;  but,  when  the 
two  sisters  understood  how  they  had  been  deceived,  both 
of  them,  it  is  said,  died  of  grief.  To  revenge  the  outrage, 
Tuathal  overran  Leinster  and  condemned  its  inhabitants 
to  pay  a  heavy  fine  every  second  year. 

Q.  What  was  the  name  of  this  fine  ? 

A.  It  was  called  the  boru  {boroimhe),  or  tribute. 

Q.  In  what  did  it  consist  ? 

A.  It  consisted  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  ounces  of 
silver,  and  the  same  number  of  cows,  swine,  coverlets 
and  cauldrons,  together  with  an  equal  number  of  men, 
women,  and  maidens,  who  were  to  be  held  in  perpetual 
bondage. 

Q.  To  whom  was  the  tribute  paid  ? 

A.  To  insure  its  enforcement  Tuathal  decreed  that  a 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  51 

third  part  of  it  should  be  paid  to  the  king  of  Ulster,  an- 
other third  to  the  ruler  of  Connaught,  and  the  remainder 
to  the  monarch  of  Tara  and  the  king  of  Munster. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  said  of  this  tribute  ? 

A.  It  continued  to  be  exacted  during  forty  reigns — a 
period  of  five  hundred  years — till  St.  Moling  procured 
its  abolition  in  the  time  of  Finnacta  II.  Though  often 
paid,  it  was  also  frequently  resisted,  and  hence  there  arose 
numerous  wars  in  which  countless  multitudes  fell  on  both 
sides. 

Q.  In  what  foreign  warfare  did  the  Scots  now  take 
part  ? 

A.  Thousands  of  Scots  or  Irish  joined  the  Picts  in  their 
attacks  upon  Britain,  and  so  successful  were  they,  that 
Hadrian,  the  Roman  emperor,  sought  to  stop  their  rava- 
ges, by  erecting  a  fortification  sixty  miles  long,  from  the 
Solway  Frith  to  the  mouth  of  the  Tyne,  a.d.  120. 

Q.  How  was  the  reign  of  Tuathal  brought  to  a  close? 

A,  He  was  slain  in  battle  by  Mai,  King  of  Connaught, 
who  thereupon  succeeded  to  the  supreme  power,  which 
he  exercised  for  four  years. 


CHAPTER  V. 

From  Feilim  II.,  A.D.  129,  to  Cormac  Ulfada,  A.D.  244. 

jOW  did  Feiliui  II.  render  his  reign  nieruora- 
ble? 

A.  By  introducing  into  the  Brehon  Code 
the  lex  ialionis,  or  law  of  retaliation,  whose 
spirit  is  well  explained  "by  the  aphorism,  "  An  eye  for  an 
eye  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth." 

Q.  What  other  law.  existed  for  the  punishment  of  crim- 
inals ? 

A.  The  law  of  eric  which  punished  crimes  by  the  im- 
position of  fine.  In  cases  of  murder,  however,  the  eric 
or  fine  might  be  refused,  and  then,  according  to  the  lex 
talionis,  death  was  inflicted. 

Q.  How  were  criminals  put  to  death  ? 

A.  They  were  always  put  to  death  either  by  the  arrow 
or  the  sword,  or  by  drowning  ;  hanging  was  not  in  vogue 
till  the  English  invasion. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  tenure  of  land  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  On  the  continent  the  feudal  system  held  sway,  and 
it  debased  the  people  by  keeping  them  dependent  on  a 
few  nobles  who  claimed  to  own  all  the  land.  In  Ireland, 
on  the  contrary,  each  clansman  had  an  equal  right  to  a 
proportionate  share  of  the  tract  occupied  by  his  tribe. 

Q.  What  law  regulated  the  transmission  of  property  ? 

A.  The  law  of  gavel-kind,  by  which  lands  descended 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  53 

equally  to  all  the  sons  to  the  exclusion  of  all  the  daughters. 
If  there  were  no  sons,  then  the  property  was  equally  divided 
among  the  next  male  heirs. 

Q.  How  many  monarchs  reigned  from  Feilim  II.  to 
Cormac  Ulfada  ? 

A.  Six. 

Q.  What  was  the  average  duration  of  their  reigns  ? 

A.  Seventeen  years. 

Q.  What  does  this  prove  ? 

A.  It  shows  that  despite  the  disorders  and  the  warlike 
spirit  of  the  times,  the  monarchs  were  reasonably  secure 
in  their  high  stations. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Feilim  ? 

A.  He  was  succeeded  by  Cathaire  Mor,  during  whose 
reign  Dublin,  the  present  capital  of  Ireland,  was  founded, 
A.D.  140. 

Q.  Who  was  the  most  warlike  monarch  of  the  epoch  ? 

A.  This  was  Conn,  the  renowned  hero  of  a  hundred 
battles. 

Q.  What  event  took  place  during  the  reign  of  Conn  ? 

A.  The  Scots  and  their  allies  were  continually  in  arms 
against  the  Romans  in  Britain ;  hence,  as  a  protection, 
the  emperor  Antoninus  erected  another  fortification  from 
the  Forth  to  the  Clyde,  a.d.  146. 

Q.  What  successor  of  Conn  is  worthy  of  mention  ? 

A.  Conair6  II.,  who  is  noteworthy  as  the  father  of 
Carbry  Riada,  who  led  a  Milesian  colony  from  Ireland  to 
Albania  or  Scotland  about  the  year  212. 

Q.  Did  the  Milesians  or  Scots  continue  their  warfare 
on  Britain  ? 

A.  Yes ;  and  although  often  forced  to  chastise  the  Picts, 
still,  they  frequently  assisted  them  against  the  Romans 
and  Br  tons. 


54  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  did  these  incessant  attacks  induce  the  Romans 
to  do  ? 

A.  Being  unable  to  subdue  the  Scots  and  their  allies, 
the  emperor  Severus  resolved,  at  last,  to  protect  Britain 
effectually  from  their  inroads ;  and,  for  this  purpose,  he 
built  a  solid  stone  wall  nine  feet  wide,  twelve  in  height, 
and  sixty  miles  long,  a.d.  207. 

Q.  Was  he  successful  in  his  design  ? 

A.  No ;  the  invaders  still  broke  in  from  time  to  time, 
and  committed  great  depradations  among  the  poor  Bri- 
tons. 

Q.  Who  were  the  most  renowned  military  heroes  of  the 
time  ? 

A.  Eogan,  King  of  Munster ;  Goll,  son  of  Morna,  gen- 
eral of  Connaught ;  and  Cuall,  father  of  the  celebrated 
Finn  or  Fingal,  the  leader  of  the  Fiann  of  Leinster. 


CHAPTER  VI., 

Cormac  Ulfada,  AD.  244  /£>  267. 

HAT  is  said  of  the  reign  of  Cormac  Ulfada? 
A.  His  reign  is  generally  regarded  as  one 
of  the  brightest  eras  in  the  history  of  Pagan 
Ireland. 

Q.  What  was  his  first  care  ? 

A.  His  first  act  was  to  establish  his  authority  firmly 
over  the  whole  island  by  reducing  some  refractory  princes. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  He  invited  several  learned  chroniclers  to  Tara,  and 
directed  them  to  write  the  annals  of  the  kingdom  from  the 
earliest  period.  Their  work,  called  the  *'  Saltair  of  Tara," 
is  now  lost,  but  much  of  its  contents  is  known  to  us. 

Q.  How  did  he  encourage  learning  ? 

A.  By  establishing  a  military  school,  and  two  colleges, 
one  for  history,  and  another  for  law. 

Q.  Give  another  proof  of  his  enlightenment  ? 

A.  He  collected  the  laws  of  the  kingdom,  and  published 
the  code  which  was  in  use  till  after  the  English  invasion. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  splendor  of  his  court  ? 

A.  Instead  of  the  old  palace  he  erected  a  grand  edi- 
fice, three  hundred  feet  long,  one  hundred  broad,  and 
sixty  in  height.  This  new  building  had  fourteen  large  en- 
trances, and  was  illuminated  by  lamps  at  night.  It  be- 
came the  centre  of  all  the  wealth,  splendor,  and  enlighten- 
ment of  the  kingdom,  ani  the  poets  tell  with  rapture  how 


N;. 


-^2J^,Vi3f 


56  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Cormac  sat  in  regal  state  surrounded  by  his  wise  men  and 
warriors. 

Q.  Was  Cormac  engaged  in  a  foreign  war  ? 

A.  Yes ;  but  he  only  continued  the  operations  begun 
in  Albania  by  his  predecessor. 

Q.  What  was  the  duration  of  his  reign  ? 

A.  He  reigned  during  twenty- three  years,  and  then, 
having  lost  an  eye,  resigned  the  throne. 

Q.  Why  did  he  give  up  his  sceptre  ? 

A.  He   did  it  in  obedience  to  a  law  which  declared 
that  the  monarch  should  have  no  personal  blemish. 
'     Q.  What  manner  of  life  did  he  lead  after  his  abdica- 
tion? 

A.  He  retired  to  a  pleasant  retreat  where  he  gave  him- 
self up  to  study  and  contemplation.     Here  he  wrote  a 
tract  called  *'  Advice  to  a  Prince,"  for  the  instruction  of 
his  son,  Carbr6  H.     This  work  is  still  extant. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  his  religious  belief? 

A.  Before  his  death  he  is  said  to  have  renounced  druid- 
ism,  and  to  have  had  a  knowledge  of  the  true  God^  whom 
he  worshipped  despite  the  druids. 

Q.  State  the  manner  of  his  death. 

A.  He  was  choked  at  table  by  a  salmon  bone,  and, 
according  to  the  druids,  this  was  his  punishment  for  hav- 
ing forsaken  their  deities. 

Q.  Describe  the  funeral  ceremonies  of  the  Milesians. 

A.  After  being  washed  and  clothed,  the  body  was  laid 
in  state  for  a  few  days,  and,  during  this  interval,  all  the 
friends  and  neighbors  assembled  to  do  honor  to  the  de- 
parted. The  bards  sang  his  pedigree  and  exploits ;  the 
druids  recited  prayers  ;  and  the  mourners  raised  the  keen 
{caoine)  or  funeral  song,-  which  was  kept  up  till  the  re- 
mains were  consigned  to  the  earth.     The  grave  usually 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  57 

faced  towards  the  East,  and  was  lined  with  smooth  stones. 
No  coffin  was  used ;  but  a  cloak  was  wrapped  around  the 
body.  Over  the  grave  was  placed  a  mound  or  slab  with 
the  name  of  the  deceased.  The  most  famous  burial 
place  in  ancient  times  was  Relignaree,  near  Cruachan,  in 
Connaught,  where  the  kings  were  usually  interred. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

From  Carbri  II.,  A.D.  268,  to  Eocha  XII.,  A.D.  350. 

HO  was  Carbrg  II.  ? 

A.  He  was   the   son  of  Cormac  Ulfada. 
Q.  How  long  did  he  rule  ? 
A.  During  sixteen  3'ears. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  him  ? 

A.  He  was  a  patron  of  letters,  and  the  author  of  a 
history  of  the  kings,  his  predecessors. 

Q.  What  celebrated  men  flourished  in  his  reign  ? 

A.  Ossian,  the  great  bard  of  Ireland,  and  his  son  Os- 
car, both  descendants  of  the  warrior  Fingal  and  leaders 
of  the  Fiann  of  I.einster. 

Q,  What  war  did  Carbr^  carry  on  ? 

A.  He  went  to  war  with  Leana,  King  of  Munster,  for 
receiving  the  Fiann  of  Leinster,  whom  he  had  disbanded 
and  outlawed  on  account  of  their  crimes. 

Q.  Who  supported  Carbr6  and  his  cause  ? 

A.  The  P'iann,  or  military  order  of  Connaught. 

Q.  Where  was  the  contest  decided  ? 

A.  At  the  battle  of  Gabra,  a.d.  284. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  this  battle  ? 

A,  The  slaughter  was  so  great  that  the  two  rival  mili- 
tary orders  were  almost  exterminated.  Among  the  slain 
were  Carbre,  and  Oscar,  the  son  of  Ossian. 

Q.  How  many  monarchs  held  sway  between  Carbrd 
and  Eocha  XII.  ? 


CA  TECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTOR  Y.  59 

A.  Five,  with  an  average  reign  of  twelve  years. 

Q.  Were  these  rulers  remarkable  in  any  way  ? 

A.  No ;  at  least  there  is  no  evidence  that  they  were. 
However,  it  must  not  be  imagined  that  they  led  indolent 
or  sensual  lives  like  their  contemporaries,  the  Roman 
emperors.  Such  a  course  was  impossible  under  the  Irish 
system,  which  demanded  the  election  of  the  ruler,  and 
recognized  merit  rather  than  hereditary  right.  Por  this 
reason  the  monarchs  were  always  active  and  energetic, 
and  they  never  became  mere  effeminate  figure-heads,  like 
some  of  the  kings  of  France  and  England  in  after  ages. 

Q.  What  event  now  took  place  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  The  destruction  of  the  Palace  of  Emania,  in  Ulster, 
by  the  men  of  Connaught,  in  the  reign  of  Muredach  II., 

A.D.  331. 

Q.  Why  is  this  noteworthy  ? 

A.  Because,  as  has  been  remarked,  after  this  event  the 
annals  of  the  kingdom  become  much  more  clear  and  reli- 
able. 

Q.  Was  the  country  prosperous  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Yes ;  the  people  were  enterprising,  and  as  a  conse- 
quence the  country  increased  rapidly,  both  in  wealth  and 
power. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  literary  orders  ? 

A.  We  are  told,  even  by  English  writers,  that  they  were 
"  the  most  learned  body  of  men  in  Europe ; "  that  "  they 
M'ere  eminently  versed  in  astronomy  and  Grecian  litera- 
ture," and  that  "  they  stood  unrivalled  in  the  cultivation 
of  letters."— See  Camden  and  Stillingfleet. 

Q.  What  else  is  asserted  of  them  ? 

A.  They  are  also  said  to  have  been  the  masters  or  *n- 
structors  of  the  other  European  bards. 

A.  Is  this  true  ? 


"^^^ 


6o  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  Yes;  "at  this  era,"  says  another  British  author, 
"  the  Irish  were  the  most  enlightened  cultivators  of  letters 
in  Europe ;  and  so  great  was  the  respect  in  which  their 
learning  was  held,  that  the  druids  of  Britain  were  initiated 
for  ages  into  their  arts,  knowledge,  and  mysteries  by  the 
Irish  druids. — Toland  Hist.  Brit.  Druids. 

Q.  Who  confirms  this  ? 

A.  The  English  historian  Whitacker,  who  remarks  of 
the  following  age  :  "  In  the  reign  of  the  celebrated  mon- 
arch Niall,  the  arch-druid  of  Ireland  was  acknowledged 
the  sovereign  pontiff  of  the  order  of  the  druids  of  Gaul, 
Britain,  and  Scotland."  Surely  no  better  testimony  can 
be  demanded. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

From  Eocha  XII.,  A.D.  350,  to  Laegaire  II,,  A.D.  428. 

I  HAT  is  said  of  Eocha  XII.  ? 

A.  He  was  the  progenitor  of  nearly  all  the 
Ardrighs  who  flourished  during  the  Chris- 
tian era. 

Q.  Was  his  own  career  a  prosperous  one  ? 

A.  No ;  on  the  contrary,  during  the  ten  years  of  his 
reign  he  was  repeatedly  defeated  by  Eana,  King  of  Lein- 
ster. 

Q.  How  many  nionarchs  ruled  between  Eocha  XII. 
and  Laegaire  1 1.  ? 

A.  Three,  with  an  average  reign  of  twenty-two  years. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  these  rulers  ? 

A.  They  were  remarkable  for  valor  and  enterprise. 

Q.  What  other  governments  existed  in  Europe  at  this 
time  ? 

A.  There  was  none  but  the  Roman  Empire.  Britain 
was  still  a  province  of  Rome,  and,  with  the  exception  of 
Ireland,  all  the  other  European  countries  were  under  the 
same  despotic  sway. 

Q.  How  many  emperors  governed  the  Roman  Empire 
during  this  same  era  ? 

A.  There  were  as  many  as  nine, 

Q.  What  does  this  show  ? 

A.  It  proves  that,  compared  to  them,  our  old  warrior- 
nionarchs  were  also  m6n  of  wonderful  endurance. 


62  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Eocha  XII.  ? 

A.  Crimthan  III.,  who  during  a  reign  of  seventeen 
years  led  expeditions  to  Albania,  Britain,  and  Gaul, 
whence  he  returned  with  much  treasure. 

Q.  Who  was  the  next  monarch  ? 

A.  Niall  I.,  sur named  of  the  Nine  Hostages. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Niall  ? 

A.  About  ten  years  after  his  accession  he  sailed  from 
Ireland  with  a  large  army  and  landed  in  Albania.  Then, 
after  ravaging  Britain  and  Wales,  he  seized  the  Isle  of 
Man  and  crossed  into  Gaul,  from  which  he  returned  with 
glory. 

Q.  What  did  these  attacks  force  the  Romans  to  do  ? 

A.  We  learn  from  a  passage  of  the  poet  Claudian,  that 
Stilico,  the  general  of  Theodosius  the  Great,  was  forced 
to  send  additional  troops  to  protect  Britain  : 

"  When  Scots  came  thundering  from  the  Irish  shores. 
And  the  ocean  trembled,  struck  with  hostile  oars." 

Q.  What  was  the  fate  of  Niall  ? 

A.  Having  undertaken  a  new  expedition  to  Gaul,  he  was 
killed  near  the  river  Loire  by  Eocha,  King  of  Leinster, 
whom  he  had  deposed  on  account  of  his  crimes,  a.d.  403. 

Q.  How  is  this  last  expedition  rendered  memorable  ? 

A.  Among  the  captives  taken  on  this  occasion,  there 
was  a  young  Christian  called  Succat,  who  was  destined, 
under  the  name  of  Patrick,  to  introduce  the  light  of  faith 
into  the  land  of  his  captivity. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Niall  IV.  ? 

A.  King  Dathy,  who  reigned  twenty -three  years,  and 
was  the  last  monarch  of  pagan  Ireland. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  him  ? 

A.  He  was  brave  and  warlike,  and  led  a  victorious  army 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  (t^ 

to  the  extremity  of  Gaul,  where,  at  the  height  of  his  suc- 
cess, he  was  killed  by  lightning  at  the  foot  of  the  Alps, 
A.D.  428.  His  troops  carried  his  body  back  to  Ireland, 
where  it  was  interred  at  Cruachan  in  the  ancient  cemetery 
of  the  kings. 

Q.  What  was  the  effect  of  these  expeditions  ? 

A.  Besides  deterring  the  Romans  from  invading  Ire- 
land, these  frequent  incursions  had  no  little  influence  in 
causing  them  to  abandon  Britain,  which  they  did  entirely, 
A.D.  428.  I 

Q.  Have  we  any  remains  of  the  civilization  of  this 
period  ? 

A.  Yes;  for,  exclusive  of  historic  testimony,  several 
ancient  reliques  of  this  period  have  been  dug  up  from  time 
to  time.  These  consist  chiefly  of  clay  sepulchral  urns ; 
bronze  swords,  spear-heads,  and  javelins;  and  rings, gob- 
lets, bits,  brooches,  torques,  circlets  and  crowns  of  solid 
gold. 


MEDIEVAL  HISTORY. 

From  the  Introduciton  of    CHRisTiANixy,  a.d.  432, 
TO  THE  Anglo-Norman  Invasion,  a.d.  1169. 


THE    MIDDLE    AGES. 

JHAT  is  generally  meant  by  the  term  "  Middle 
Ages  ?  " 

A.  It  means  that  period  of  history  inter- 
vening between  the  fall  of  the  Western 
Empire,  a.d.  476,  and  the  discovery  of  America,  a.d. 
1492. 

Q.  What  was  the  general  character  of  this  period 
throughout  Europe  ?  . 

A.  It  was  an  era  in  which  ignorance,  violence,  disor- 
ders, invasions,  and  revolutions  were  mixed  up  in  endless . 
confusion  with  noble  deeds,  religious  devotion,  and  the 
conversion  and  civilization  of  nations. 

Q.  By  what  system  were  most  nations  governed  during 
this  time  ? 

A.  By  the  feudal  system,  which  gave  arbitrary  power 
to  a  multitude  of  petty  princes,  and  kept  the  mass  of  the 
people  in  the  vilest  slavery.  So  universal  was  this  state 
of  things  throughout  Europe,  that  no  man  was  suffered 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  65 

to  be  his  own  master.  All  but  property-holders  had  to 
become  serfs,  and  to  do  homage  to  some  "  lord,"  whom 
they  were  bound  to  serve  and  obey. 

Q.  Did  this  iniquitous  system  exist  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  No ;  it  was  radically  opposed  to  the  Irish  Consti- 
tution, which  recognized  each  clansman  as  free  and  inde- 
pendent in  both  person  and  property. 

Q.  What  trait,  therefore,  distinguishes  the  Irish  clans- 
men from  the  European  serfs  ? 

A.  The  spirit  of  freedom  or  personal  independence 
which  they  evinced  in  dealing  with  their  rulers. 

Q.  In  what  else  did  the  Irish  differ  from  the  rest  of 
Europe  ? 

A.  Elsewhere  the  identity  of  the  individual  was  lost 
amid  pompous  titles  taken  from  the  land  ;  and,  secondly, 
his  personal  freedom  was  wholly  destroyed  because  he 
was  a  mere  chattel,  from  the  fact  that  he  was  absolutely 
dependent  on  his  superiors  ;  whereas,  in  Ireland,  both 
the  liberty  and  the  individuality  of  the  clansmen  were 
l)reserved,  for  the  contrary  reason,  that  the  chiefs  were 
dependent  on  the  people,  and  the  family  name  was  pre- 
served with  pride. 

Q.  What  is  the  duration  of  this  part  of  Irish  historj'  ? 

A.  Seven  hundred  and  thirty-nine  years. 

Q.  Into  how  many  periods  is  it  divided  ? 

A.  Into  two  :  the  first,  from  the  mission  of  St.  Pat- 
rick, A.D.  432,  to  the  arrival  of  the  Danes,  a.d.  795  ; 
the  second,  from  the  Danes  to  the  Anglo-Normans,  a.d. 
1 169. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  the  first  period  ? 

A.  During  this  period  the  renown  of  Ireland  for  sanc- 
tity and  learning  was  such,  that,  by  common  consent,  she 
received  the  glorious  title  of  "  Island  of  Saints"     "  For- 


66  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

eigners  flocked  to  her  shores  to  be  instructed  in  religion 
and  letters,  and  a  residence  in  Ireland  was  considered  as 
almost  essential  to  establish  a  literary  character.  Not 
content  with  affording  an  asylum  to  those  strangers  at 
home,  the  sons  of  Hibernia  crossed  the  seas  to  diffuse 
the  same  blessings  abroad  ;  all  the  neighboring  nations — 
England,  France,  Germany,  and  Switzerland,  profited  by 
the  zeal  and  learning  of  Irish  missionaries,  and  the  most 
celebrated  nurseries  of  science  in  those  remote  ages  were 
founded  or  improved  by  Irish  scholars."— Fredet.  Mod. 
Hist.,  p.  22. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  said  of  the  second  period  of  mediajval 
history  ? 

A.  The  second  period  is  marked  by  the  attacks  of  the 
Danes,  "  those  terrible  Northmen  who,  for  above  two 
hundred  years,  proved  so  formidable  to  several  nations  of 
Europe.  In  Ireland,  as  elsewhere,  ruin  and  desolation 
marked  the  progress  of  the  invaders  ;  the  country  was 
ravaged ;  churches,  monasteries  and  universities  were 
plundered  and  destroyed.  From  time  to  time,  it  is  true, 
the  Danes  were  bravely  attacked  and  defeated,  but  fresh 
swarms  succeeded,  and  committed  new  outrages  and  dep- 
redations throughout  the  island,"  till  they  were  finally 
driven  out  by  a  crushing  defeat,  a.d.  1014. — Id. 


FIRST  PERIOD. 

IRELAND  THE   ISLE  OF  SAINTS. 

From  her  Conversion,  a.d.  432,  to  the  Arrival  or 
THE  Danes,  a.d.  795. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Laegaire  II.,  A.D.  428  to  463. 

HO  occupied  the  throne  of  Ireland  at  the  in- 
troduction of  Christianity  into  the  counT^y  ? 
A.  I.aegaire  II.,  son  of  Niall  of  the  Nine 
Hostages,  who  reigned  thirty-five  years. 
Q.  Were  there  Christians  in  the    country  before  his 
time  ?  I 

A..,^es;^there  is  a  tradition  that  St.  James  the  Great 
labored  there  ;  Ditt  however  this  may  be,  it  is  certain  that 
many  of  the  Irish  were  Christians  long  before  the  final 
conversion  of  the  country.  The  most  noted  among  these 
early  converts  were  Mansuetus,  afterwards  first  Bishop  of 
Toul  in  Gaul,  a.d.  375 ;  Caslestius,  the  great  champion 
of  the  Pelagian  heresy,  a.d.  412  ;  and  the  four  young  men, 
Ailbe,  Declan,  Ibar,  and  Kiaran,  who  were  baptized 
abroad  and  afterwards  made  bishops  under  St.  Patrick. 
Q.  What  is  said  of  Caelestius  ? 
A.  He  was  a  law-advocate  of  vast  learning  and  great 


A 


68  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

abilities.  Having  crossed  over  to  Gaul,  he  became  a 
Christian,  but  his  love  of  speculation  led  him  into  diffi- 
culties, and,  though  still  a  layman,  he  was  soon  looked 
upon  as  the  main  supporter  of  Pelagianism  throughout 
Europe  and  Africa.  Before  his  death  he  became  a  priest, 
but  he  never  retracted  his  errors,  and,  as  he  had  proved 
a  match  for  every  opponent,  the  fame  of  his  name  lingered 
long  in  the  field  of  his  labors.  Pelagius  himself,  also,  the 
prime  author  of  this  heresy,  is  thought  to  have  been  born 
in  Ireland,  but  this  is  disputed. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  first  mission  to  Ireland  ? 

A.  In  the  year  431,  Pope  Celestine  I.  sent  St.  Palla- 
dius  to  Ireland  as  bishop  "to  the  Scots  believing  in 
Christ,"  a  proof  that  there  were  already  many  Christians 
in  the  island.  This  mission,  however,  was  unsuccessful, 
and  Palladius  retired  to  Albania,  where  he  died  in  the 
sanie  year. 

Qr  Who  had  the  glory  of  converting  Ireland  ? 

A.  The  great  Apostle  St.  Patrick. 

Q.  Give  an  account  of  his  early  life. 

A.  This  glorious  missionary  was  born  near  Boulogne, 
in  Armorica,  a  province  of  Gaul,  in  the  year  387.  At 
the  age  of  sixteen,  he  was  made  captive  with  many  of  his 
countrymen,  by  the  troops  of  Niall  of  the  Nine  Hostages, 
and  taken  to  Ireland,  where  he  was  sold  into  slavery,  a.d. 

403- 

Q.  Sketch  his  career  up  to  the  time  of  his  mission. 

A.  After  six  years  of  servitude,  he  escaped  to  his  own 

country,  and  entering  the    monastery  of  St.   Martin  at 

Tours,  began  to  prepare  himself  for  the  sacred  ministry. 

In  the  course   of  time   he  jiroceeded  to   Rome,  where 

he  studied  for  three  years.     Then  he  returned  to  Gaul 

and  placed  himself  under  the  direction  of  St.  Germain 


CA'IECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  69 

at  Auxerre,  a.d.  418.  By  the  advice  of  this  holy  master 
he  retired  to  the  monastery  of  Lerins,  where  he  lived 
in  prayer  and  contemplation  during  nine  years.  On 
leaving  Lerins,  he  again  returned  to  St.  Germain,  whom 
he  accompanied  into  Britain  in  order  to  check  the  Pela- 
gian heresy,  a.d.  429,  Finally  he  proceeded  to  Rome  a 
second  time  to  consult  Pope  St.  Celestine  I.  about  the 
mission  to  Ireland,  which  was  always  uppermost  in  his 
mind. 

Q.  What  was  done  for  him  by  this  holy  pontiff? 

A.  Recognizing  his  merit  and  zeal,  Celestine  approved 
his  design,  and,  as  a  mark  of  esteem,  raised  him  to  the 
rank  of  a  Roman  prince,  and  gave  him  the  name  of  Patri- 
cius,  signifying  patrician,  a.d.  431. 

Q.  When  did  St.  Patricius  or  Patrick  arrive  in  Ire- 
land ? 

A.  After  being  consecrated  bishop  at  Evreux,  in  Nor- 
mandy, in  the  forty-fifth  year  of  his  9%*t,  he  set  out  for  Ire- 
land, where  he  arrived  in  the  year  4.^2. 

Q.  Give  an  account  of  his  missionary  labors. 

A.  When  he  arrived  in  the  island,  the  National  Assem- 
bly was  in  session  at  Tara,  and  St.  Patrick,  presenting 
himself  before  it,  briefly  set  forth  his  mission  and  the 
principal  truths  he  came  to  teach.  On  this  occasion  he 
converted  the  arch-druid  Dubtach,  and  gained  the  admira- 
tion of  the  whole  assembly  by  his  simple  and  earnest  elo- 
quence. Then,  entering  heartily  on  his  work,  he  went  on 
foot  through  all  the  cities  of  the  different  provinces,  and 
preached  with  so  much  unction,  that  vast  multitudes  were 
everywhere  converted  and  baptized. 

Q.  What  great  work  did  he  soon  afterwards  accom- 
plish ? 

A.  Under  the  patronage  of  the  monarch  Laegaire,  he 


-:>,$: 


7o  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

had  the  statutes  of  the  kingdom  revised,  and  entered  on 
the  "Senchus  M6r,"  or  great  book  of  laws,  a.d.  438. 

Q.  What  happened  soon  afterwards  in  the  neighboring 
island  of  Britain  ? 

A.  In  the  same  year  in  which  St.  Patrick  established 
the  Metropohtan  see  of  Armagh,  a.d.  455,  the  natives  of 
Britain  were  forced  to  call  in  the  Saxons  to  assist  them 
against  the  Scots  and  the  Picts,  who  continued  to  keep 
them  in  a  deplorable  state  by  frequent  incvirsions. 


CHAPTER  II. 

From  Olioll  IV.,  A.D.  463,  to  Dermid  /.,  A.D.  544. 

|0W  many  sovereigns  ruled  between  Olioll  IV. 
and  Dermid  I.  ? 

A.  Three,  with  an  average  reign  of  nine- 
teen years. 

Q.  What  honors  did  the  Christian  clergy  receive  under 
Olioll  ? 

A.  They  took  the  place  of  the  druids  in  the  National 
Assembly,  and  in  all  other  offices  held  by  them. 

Q.  How  did  OHoU  IV.  die  ? 

A.  After  reigning  twenty  years,  he  was  slain  at  the  bat- 
tle of  Ocha  by  his  successor,  Lugaid  VII,,  a,d.  483. 

Q.  What  great  poet  did  Ireland  produce  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Sedulius  the  Elder,  who  travelled  through  France, 
Italy,  and  parts  of  Asia,  and  then  lectured  at  Rome,  where 
he  was  greatly  esteemed  for  his  learning,  a.d.  490.  He 
became  a  priest,  and  wrote  several  works,  among  which 
is  a  Latin  poem  called  "  Carmen  Paschale"  on  the  life 
of  Christ.  From  this  the  Church  takes  some  of  her  most 
beautiful  hymns,  as,  '*  A  solis  ortus  cardine"  for  the  feast 
of  the  Nativity,  '^  Jlostis  Herodes  itnpie,^'  for  the  Epi- 
phany, and  *'  Salve,  sancie  parens,"  which  is  used  in 
masses  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  etc.,  etc. 

Q.  What  notable  event  took  place  under  Lugaid  VII.  ? 


72  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  The  death  of  the  great  Apostle  St.  Patrick,  which 
occurred  at  Saul  on  the  17th  of  March,  a.d.  493. 
Q.  Give  a  summary  of  his  labors. 
A.  During  the  sixty  years  of  his  missionary  career,  he 
founded  three  hundred  and  fifty  churches,  consecrated 
over  three  hundred  bishops,  and  raised  up  three  thousand 
priests,  who  directed  immense  multitudes  of  the  faithful, 
of  both  sexes,  in  the  practice  of  Christian  perfection. 
(J.  What  was  the  character  of  St.  Patrick  ? 
A.  His  most  prominent  traits  were  meekness,  dignity, 
great  faith,  and  a  love  for  prayer  and  mortification.     So 
intense  was  the  devotion  enkindled  by  his  preaching  and 
example,  that  all  his  disciples  and  attendants,  and  nearly 
all  who  received  ordination  at  his  hands,  became  remark- 
able for  the  holiness  of  their  lives. 
Q.  Mention  a  few  of  his  disciples. 
A.  St.  Secundinus,  first  Bishop  of  Dunseglin,  a.d.  447  ; 
St.  Asicus,  first  Bishop  of  Elphin,  450 ;  St.   Benignus,  his 
first  successor  in   the  see  of  Armagh,  468  ;  St.  Jarlath, 
of  the  same  church,  481  ;  St.  Mael,  first  Bishop  of  Ardagh, 
488  ;  St.  Maccartin,  first  Bishop  of  Clogher,  506 ;  and  St. 
,  Conlaeth,  first  Bishop  of  Kildare,  519,  etc.,  etc. 

Q.  What  new  species  of  literature  now  made  its  ap- 
pearance in  Ireland  ? 

A.  There  appeared  little  works  called  penance  books, 
which  were  compiled  by  different  saints  for  the  instruc- 
tion and  guidance  of  the  clergy.  As  these  were  the  first 
attempts  towards  establishing  enlightened  rules  for  the 
treatment  of  penitents,  they  may  be  said  to  mark  the  be- 
ginning of  the  science  of  Moral  Theology. 

Q.  Were  there  also  dogmatic  or  controversial  treatises  ? 
A.  No  ;  because  there  existed  no  diversity  of  creed* 
and  such  expositions  were  not  required. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  73 

Q.  Was  the  faith  of  Ireland  the  same  as  that  of 
Rome  ? 

A.  Yes ;  it  was  the  same  in  every  particular,  except 
that  afterwards,  during  a  brief  space,  a  difference  arose 
as  to  the  time  of  celebrating  Easter. 

Q.  What  important  colony  was  sent  out  from  Ireland  ? 

A.  In  the  year  503  Fergus,  Prince  of  Dalradia,  emi- 
grated from  Ulster,  and  settled  with  numerous  colonists 
on  the  west  coast  of  Albania.  In  the  course  of  time  this 
colony  increased,  and  gradually  obtained  possession  of 
all  that  country. 

Q.  Who  is  the  principal  female  saint  of  Ireland  ? 

A-  The  Virgin  St.  Brigid,  "  the  Mary  of  Ireland,"  who 
is  venerated  as  the  patroness  of  the  whole  island. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  her  ? 

A.  She  was  born  during  the  lifetime  of  St.  Patrick,  and 
in  the  year  480  founded  the  celebrated  monastery  of  Kil- 
dare,  where  she  died  in  her  seventieth  year  after  innumer- 
able miracles  and  good  works,  a.d.  525. 

Q.  For  what  is  this  age  remarkable  ? 

A.  For  the  numerous  monastic  schools  which  were 
founded  throughout  the  country. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  these. 

A.  Besides  the  school  of  Armagh,  which  existed  since 
St.  Benignus,  a.d.  468,  the  principal  ones  were  Mayo, 
founded  by  St.  Ailbe  in  515;  Clones,  by  St.  Tigernach 
in  520;  Arran  "of  the  Saints,"  by  Sl  Enda  in  525  ;  Clo- 
nard,  by  St.  Finian,  the  wise  "  tutor  of  the  saints  of  Ire- 
land," in  530 ;  and  Louth,  by  St.  Mochta  in  534. 

Q.  Were  there  many  diier  saints  and  founders  besides 
those  mentioned  ? 

A.  Yes ;  between  the  years  432  and  534  there  flourish- 
ed as  many  as  three  hundred  and  fifty  saintly  bishops, 
4 


74  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

"wdrofounded  churches,  and  excited  the  admiration  of  the 
faithful,  by  the  eminent  holiness  of  their  lives. 

Q.  What  was  the  chief  aim  of  these  founders  ? 

A.  Their  main  object  was  to  establish  holy  retreats 
where  men  might  give  themselves  to  prayer  and  medi- 
tation, to  labor  and  study,  to  penance  and  works  of 
sanctification. 

Q.  What  else  may  be  said  of  these  pious  abodes  ? 

A.  "  There,  also,  were  trained  an  entire  population  of 
philosophers,  of  writers,  of  architects,  of  carvers,  of  paint- 
ers, of  caligraphers,  of  musicians,  poets,  and  historians; 
but,  above  all,  of  missionaries  and  preachers,  destined  to 
spread  the  light  of  the  Gospel  and  of  Christian  education, 
not  only  in  all  the  Celtic  countries,  of  which  Ireland  was 
always  the  nursing  mother,  but  throughout  Europe,  among 
all  the  Teutonic  races — among  the  Franks  and  Burgundi- 
ans,  who  were  already  masters  of  Gaul,  as  well  as  amid 
the  dwellers  by  the  Rhine  and  Danube,  and  up  to  the 
frontiers  of  Italy." — Montalembert's  Monks  of  the -West^ 
vol.  iii.,  lib.  viii.,  p.  68. 


m 


CHAPTER  III. 

From  Dertnid  I.y  A.D.  544,  to  Hugh  II.,  A.D.  572. 

HAT  was  the  character  of  Derniid  I.  ? 

A.  He  was   remarkably  able  and  brave, 
but  his  great  love  of  justice  led  him  into  dif- 
ficulties with  the  clergy  on  account  of  his 
excessive  rigor. 

Q.  What  afflicted  the  country  soon  after  his  accession  ? 

A.  A  terrible  pestilence  called  the  Yellow  Plague,  which 
carried  off  nearly  one-third  of  the  people. 

Q.  What  celebrated  schools  were  founded  during  his 
reign  ? 

A.  Clonmacnoise,  by  St.  Kiaran  in  548 ;  Bangor,  by  St. 
Comgall  in  549  ;  and  Glendalough,  by  St.  Kevin  in  560. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  these  institutions  ? 

A.  The  buildings  composing  them  were  generally  small, 
but  numerous,  and  were  usually  made  of  timber,  wattles, 
and  clay,  though  stone  and  cement  were  sometimes  used. 
In  this  case  the  cells  of  the  monks  were  circular,  with 
arched  stone  roofs  without  mortar.  Each  monastery  cover- 
ed a  large  extent  of  ground,  and  was  surrounded  by  a  walL 

Q.  Wliat  were  the  usual  occupations  of  the  monks  ? 

A.  While  some  worked  in  wood,  in  bronze,  and  in 
leather,  others  were  employed  as  copyists,  or  in  studying 
or  teaching  Latin,  Gaelic,  Greek,  Hebrew,  and  Sacred 
Scripture.  Music,  poetry,  logic,  history,  philosophy,  and 
astronomy  were  also  taught  by  them. 


76  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  How  were  they  supported  ? 

A.  By  ofTerings,  collections,  endowments,  and  the 
labor  of  their  hands. 

Q.  What  great  man  flourished  at  tliis  epoch  ? 

A.  St.  Columba,  the  Apostle  of  the  Picts. 

Q.  Sketch  his  early  career. 

A.  This  celebrated  missionary  was  born  at  Garten, 
Kilmacrenan,  in  Ulster,  on  the  7th  of  December,  a.d. 
521.  After  completing  his  studies  at  Clonard  and  other 
schools,  he  gave  himself  to  the  service  of  God,  and  in 
quick  succession,  founded  monasteries  at  Derry  in  545  ; 
at  Kells  in  550,  at  Duleek  in  551,  at  Swords  in  553,  and 
at  Durrow  in  the  same  year. 

Q.  What  course  did  he  then  pursue  ? 

A.  In  consequence  of  a  breach  between  himself  and 
the  monarch  Dermid  I.,  he  left  Ireland  with  twelve  disci- 
ples, and  landed  at  lona,  an  isle  on  the  west  coast  of 
Scotland,  where  he  built  a  monastery,  and  entered  on  his 
missionary  labors  among  the  Picts,  a.d.  564. 

Q.  How  did  Dermid  violate  the  rights  of  the  clergy  ? 

A.  At  the  National  Assembly  held  at  Tara,  a  certain 
prince  drew  upon  himself  the  penalty  of  death  by  an  act 
of  violence  which  he  committed  during  the  session.  The 
guilty  man  fled  for  safety  to  a  church  near  by,  but  even 
this  sacred  asylum  did  not  save  him,  and  being  brought 
out,  he  was  put  to  death  by  order  of  Dermid, 

Q.  What  resulted  from  this  ? 

A.  To  punish  this  violation  of  the  right  of  sanctuary 
claimed  by  the  clergy,  St.  Ruadan  went  in  solemn  proces- 
sion with  his  clergy  around  the  hill  of  Tara,  the  home  of 
the  monarch,  and  invoked  the  malediction  of  God  upon 
the  place.  "From  that  day,"  says  the  annalist,  "no  king 
ever  sat  at  Tara." 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  77 

Q.  What  chastisement  overtook  Dermid  himself? 

A.  He  was  killed  in  battle  two  years  after  the  desertion 
of  Tara,  after  reigning  twenty  years. 

Q.  How  did  the  abandonment  of  Tara  affect  the 
country  ? 

A.  After  that  event  the  nionarchs  usually  dwelt  at 
Aileach  in  Ulster ;  but  their  influence  was  weakened  by 
the  gradual  estrangement  of  the  other  provinces,  each  of 
which  contended  for  the  honor  of  having  the  chief  capital 
within  its  own  borders. 

Q.  Was  the  right  of  asylum  better  observed  after  this  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  the  fate  of  Tara  caused  this  custom  to  be  re- 
spected, and  it  was  soon  afterwards  introduced  by  Irish 
missionaries  into  various  countries  of  Europe,  where  it 
did  good  service  during  the  middle  ages. 

Q.  What  noted  foreigner  studied  in  Ireland  during  this 
age? 

A.  St.  Gildas,  the  first  British  writer,  494-570.  Hav- 
ing gone  to  Ireland  "  to  drink  from  its  pure  streams  of 
sacred  learning,"  he  at  length  became  professor  at  Ar- 
magh. After  some  years  he  made  a  pilgrimage  to  Rome, 
and  presented  Pope  Agapetus  with  a  beautiful  Irish  bell, 
but  he  soon  returned  to  his  adopted  country,  where  he  is 
said  to  have  ended  his  life. 

Q.  What  native  saints  are  worthy  of  mention  ? 

A.  St.  Kieran,  first  Bishop  of  Ossory,  a.d.  550 ;  and 
St.  Colraan,  first  Bishop  of  Cloyne,  570. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

Hugh  II.,  A.D.  572  to  599. 

HAT  National  Assembly  was  held  by  Hugh 
II.? 

A.  The   great  Convention  of  Drumceit, 

A.D.   577. 

Q.  For  what  purpose  was  it  called  ? 

A.  First,  to  take  measures  for  the  suppression  or  banish- 
ment of  the  bards,  who  of  late  years  had  become  trouble- 
some by  their  numbers  and  insolence ;  second,  to  lay  a 
larger  tribute  on  the  Irish  colony  in  Albania  ;  and  thirdly, 
to  depose  the  prince  of  Ossory  for  refusing  to  pay  tribute 
to  the  supreme  monarch. 

Q.  Of  whom  was  the  assembly  composed  ? 

A.  It  was  composed  of  bishops  and  abbots,  of  princes 
and  provincial  kings,  and  was  presided  over  by  the  su- 
preme monarch  in  person.  The  great  St.  Columba  and 
Aidan,  King  of  Dalradia,  were  also  present  to  plead  the 
cause  of  the  Albanian  colony. 

Q.  What  resulted  from  the  deliberations  of  this  assem- 
bly ? 

A.  Through  the  influence  of  St.  Columba  the  bards 
were  spared,  though  subjected  to  certain  useful  restrictions. 
Thus,  land  was  assigned  to  them  on  which  they  were  to 
reside  permanently,  and  they  were  required  to  give  free 
instruction  to  all  who  sought  it ;  secondly,  the  colony  of 
Dalradia  was   declared   free,    independent   and   exempt 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  79 

from  all  tribute  to  the  monarch  of  Ireland.    The  third 
question  remained  unsettled. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  labors  of  St.  Columba  in  Al- 
bania. 

A.  Besides  transcribing  several  copies  of  tRe  Sacred 
Scriptures,  he  founded  many  churches  and  monasteries, 
and  ruled  his  principal  foundation  at  lona  with  so  much 
wisdom  during  thirty  years,  that,  in  a  short  time,  the  fame 
of  this  new  institute  spread  far  and  wide.  Crowds  flock- 
ed from  Ireland  to  join  the  community,  and  St.  Columba 
set  them  an  example  of  zeal  by  carrying  the  light  of  the 
Gospel  to  the  Picts  whose  apostle  he  became. 

Q.  When  did  St.  Columba  die  ? 

A.  On  Sunday  evening  the  9th  of  June,  a.d.  597,  in  the 
seventy-sixth  year  of  his  age. 

Q.  What  fame  was  acquired  by  lona  ? 

A.  During  more  than  three  hundred  years  it  continued 
to  be  the  abode  of  sanctity  and  letters,  and  a  light  to  all 
the  northern  regions.  It  acquired  especial  fame,  how- 
ever, for  the  number  of  remarkable  missionaries  which  it 
sent  forth  to  convert  the  different  Saxon  kingdoms  of 
Britain. 

Q.  What  caused  lona  to  decline  ? 

A.  It  began  to  decline  on  account  of  the  invasion  of 
the  Danes,  who  at  different  times  massacred  several  of  its 
inmates.  Finally,  it  was  deserted  altogether.  Then  dur- 
ing several  centuries  its  name  and  its  greatness  were  alike 
forgotten.  At  length,  however,  it  is  again  remembered 
and  revered.  Dr.  Johnson,  who  had  the  honor  of  calling 
attention  to  it,  speaks  of  it  thus  :  "  That  man  is  little  to 
be  envied  whose  patriotism  would  not  gain  force  upon 
the  plain,  of  Marathon,  or  whose  piety  would  not  grow 
warmer  upon  the  niins  of  lona." 


8o  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  saints  of  this  era  in  Ireland. 

A.  St.  Ida,  abbess,  569;  St.  Brendan  of  Birr,  571; 
St.  Brendan  of  Clonfert,  577  ;  St.  Fachnan  of  Ross,  580  ; 
St.  Fergus  of  Down,  583,  and  St.  Canice  of  Kilkenny, 

527-598. 

Q.  What  is  related  of  St.  Brendan  of  Clonfert  ? 

A.  It  is  said  that  in  his  zeal  for  souls  he  sailed  forth  in 
quest  of  pagan  lands  and  discovered  America,  which  he 
penetrated  as  far  as  the  Ohio  River. 

Q.  What  do  antiquarians  say  of  America  ? 

A.  They  assert  that  North  America  was  known  to  the 
Irish  a  thousand  years  ago,  and  that  the  country  was 
then  called  Irland  it  Mikla,  or  Greater  Ireland. 

Q.  What  Irish  saints  sojourned  in  other  lands  at  this 
time  ? 

A.  St.  Fridolin,  "  the  Traveller,"  who  founded  several 
monasteries  in  France  and  Switzerland,  and  that  of  Sekin- 
gen  on  an  isle  in  the  Rhine  ;  St.  Fregidian,  Bishop  of 
Lucca  in  Italy,  a.d.  587  ;  and  many  others  less  known. 

Q.  What  was  a  noted  trait  of  the  Irish  saints  in  gen- 
eral? 

A.  Their  love  of  pilgrimages. 

Q.  What  else  was  still  more  remarkable  in  them  ? 

A.  They  were  remarkable  for  the  rigor  of  their  mortifi- 
cations and  penances,  and  for  the  zeal  with  which  they 
sought  to  bring  heathen  nations  to  a  knowledge  of 
Christ. 

Q.  What  was  the  effect  of  this  twofold  character  ? 

A.  They  spread  over  Europe  and  founded  more  than  one 
hundred  monasteries  outside  of  Ireland  ;  but  the  extreme 
severity  of  their  discipline  afterwards  induced  their  suc- 
cessors to  adopt  the  milder  rule  introduced  by  St.  Bene- 
dict. 


CHAPTER  V. 

From  Hugh  III.,  A.D.  599,  to  Domnall  II.,  A.D.  628. 

I  HAT  is  noticeable  in  the  history  of  this  era  ? 
A.  But  little  of  the  political  history  of  the 
country  is  recorded.  In  accordance  with 
the  spirit  of  the  times,  the  annalists,  who 
were  generally  monks,  gave  more  importance  to  ecclesi- 
astical than  to  civil  matters. 

Q.  Is  this  to  be  regretted  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  for  leaving  other  considerations  aside,  it  would 
have  been  extremely  interesting  to  note  the  effect  pro- 
duced on  the  princes  and  people  of  the  countr)'  by  the 
hosts  of  saints  that  flourished  at  this  time  ? 

Q.  What  event  now  took  place  in  Britain  ? 

A.  In  the  year  596,  Pope  St.  Gregorj'  the  Great  sent 
St.  Augustine  with  a  body  of  monks  to  preach  the  Gospel 
to  the  Saxons.  These  missionaries  succeeded  in  convert- 
ing Ethelbert,  King  of  Kent,  the  smallest  of  the  eight 
kingdoms  into  which  the  country  was  divided. 

Q.  What  was  the  final  result  of  this  mission  ? 

A.  After  the  death  of  St.  Augustine,  a.d.  607,  the 
greater  part  of  the  newly-baptized  relapsed  into  their  old 
superstitions,  and  the  country  became  almost  entirely 
pagan  once  more. 

Q.  By  whom  was  Britain  finally  drawn  from  the  dark- 
ness  of  paganism  ? 

A.  Mostly  by  zealous  monks  from  Ireland  and  lona. 
4* 


82  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

These  traversed  the  country,  built  numerous  monasteries, 
and,  finally,  after  great  labors,  succeeded  in  imparting  a 
knowledge  of  the  true  God  to  the  inhabitants. 

Q.  What  does  Camden,  an  English  historian,  say  of 
these  missionaries  ?     . 

A.  He  says  that  "  the  disciples  of  St.  Patrick  made 
such  great  progress  in  Christianity,  that  in  the  following 
age  Ireland  was  called  the  "Island  of  Saints,"  and  none 
could  be  more  learned  and  holy  than  the  Irish  monks  in 
their  own  country,  in  Britain,  and  on  the  continent  of 
FAirope." 

Q.  What  is  the  testimony  of  Venerable  Bede,  the 
Father  of  English  history  ? 

A.  He  declares  that,  during  this  age,  Ireland  supplied 
all  Europe  with  multitudes  of  zealous  missionaries,  who 
announced  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  among  some  nations, 
and  revived  it  among  others. 

Q.  Who  is  the  most  celebrated  of  these  missionaries  ? 
A.  St.  Columban,  who  was  born  in  Leinster,  a.d.  543, 
and  trained  at  Bangor,  where,  under  St.  Comgall,  he  drank 
in  piety  and  knowledge  as  from  a  holy  well.    The  scenes 
of  his  labors  were  Gaul  and  Italy. 

Q.  Give  a  sketch  of  his  career  in  Gaul. 
A.  About  the  year  585,  St.  Columban  left  Ireland  with 
twelve  companions  and  passed  into  Gaul.  On  account 
of  the  invasions  of  the  barbarians  and  the  negligence  of 
the  bishops,  many  abuses  existed  in  that  country,  and  the 
discipline  of  the  Church  was  entirely  neglected.  Mortifi- 
cation and  penance  were  wholly  unknown,  though  the 
people  still  thought  themselves  good  Christians  ;  but  St. 
Columban  preached  wherever  he  went,  and  the  sanctity 
of  his  life  added  weight  to  his  instructions,  and  induced 
many  persons  to  lead  true  Christian  lives.     His  reputa- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  83 

tion  at  length  reached  the  court  of  King  Gontran,  of 
Burgundy,  who  gave  him  land,  on  which  he  built  the 
famous  monastery  of  Luxeuil,  and  afterwards  that  of 
Fontaine.  His  labors  in  this  province  have  caused  hira 
to  be  looked  upon  as  the  Apostle  of  Eastern  France. 

Q.  Why  did  St.  Columban  leave  Gaul  ? 

A.  After  laboring  twenty-five  years  in  Gaul,  he  was 
forced  to  go  elsewhere  on  account  of  the  persecutions  of 
Theodric,  King  of  Burgimdy,  whom  he  reproved  severely 
on  account  of  his  scandalous  life. 

Q.  What  did  Columban  then  do  ? 

A.  He  went  to  preach  to  the  pagans  of  Switzerland, 
and  then  to  Italy,  where  he  was  well  r£ceived  by  King 
Agilulph  of  Lombardy.  Here  he  founded  the  great  mon- 
astery of  Bobbio,  where  he  died  on  the  21st  of  November, 
A.D.  615. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  his  character  and  abilities  } 

A.  He  was  just  the  man  for  the  age.  Firm,  bold,  and 
zealous,  he  admonished  pope  and  king  as  readily  as  he 
did  the  poorest  peasant.  He  is  the  author  of  commenta- 
ries on  the  Psalter,  several  small  poems,  some  letters,  six- 
teen homilies,  and  a  work  against  the  Arians. 

Q.  Mention  other  saints  of  this  age. 

A.  In  Ireland,  St.  Comgall,  abbot,  601 ;  St.  Colman, 
Bishop  of  Dromore,  616  ;  St,  Eugenius,  Bishop  of  Deny, 
618,  St.  Builhe,  founder  of  the  great  school  of  Monaster- 
boice,  621 ;  and  St.  Luanus,  who  built  several  monaster- 
ies, 622 ;  in  France,  there  flourished  St.  Maxentia,  virgin 
and  martyr ;  and  St.  Osmanna,  virgin  and  recluse. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

From  Domnall  II.,  A.D.  628,  io  Finnacta  11,  A.D.  Oj^. 

HAT  controversy  arose  under  Domnall  II.? 
A.  In  his  reign  a  dispute  arose  as  to  the 
proper  time  for  celebrating  Easter.  The 
custom  prevailing  in  Ireland  was  introduced 
by  St.  Patrick,  and  had  long  been  followed  at  Rome,  but 
as  it  was  faulty,  a  more  perfect  calculation  was  adopted 
by  the  popes.  The  new  system  used  the  Alexandrian 
cycle  of  nineteen  years,  to  ascertain  the  age  of  the  moon, 
and  made  Easter  fall  on  the  Sunday  following  the  four- 
teenth day  of  the  moon  ;  whereas  the  old  method  employed 
the  Jewish  cycle  of  eighty-four  years,  and  often  celebrated 
Easter  on  the  fourteenth  day  itself. 

Q.  What  did  Pope  Honorius  do  ? 

A.  In  the  year  630  he  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Scots 
or  Irish,  exhorting  them  "  not  to  continue  to  celebrate  an 
Easter  contrary  to  the  Paschal  calculation,  and  to  the 
synodal  decrees  of  all  the  bishops  on  earth." 

Q.  Did  this  letter  produce  a  good  effect  ? 

A.  Yes;  a  synod  was  held  near  Leighlin,  and  it  was 
agreed  to  send  a  deputation  to  Rome  to  examine  the 
practices  of"  the  mother  of  all  the  churches."  The  prin- 
cipal opponent  of  the  new  system  was  St.  Fintan,  Abbot 
of  Taigmon  ;  and  its  strenuous  advocates  were  St.  Lase- 
rian  and  St.  Cummian.  The  latter  defended  the  Roman 
custom  in  a  learned  treatise  addressed  to  Segenius,  Abbot 
of  I  on  a. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  8$ 

Q.  What  was  the  result  of  the  controversy  ? 

A.  On  the  return  of  the  deputation,  the  Roman  prac- 
tice was  adopted  throughout  the  southern  half  of  Ireland, 
A.D.  dT,^  ;  but  the  north  continued  to  adhere  to  the 
ancient  usage  for  a  few  years  more. 

Q.  How  was  the  peace  of  the  country  disturbed  for  a 
moment  ? 

A.  Congall,  Prince  of  Ulidia,  coveted  the  kingdom  of 
Ulster,  and,  to  satisfy  his  ambition,  called  to  his  standard 
several  bands  of  Picts,  Britons,  Saxons,  and  Albanian 
Scots ;  but  the  monarch,  Domnall  II.,  marched  against 
this  horde  and  defeated  them  with  great  slaughter. 

Q.  What  great  nurseries  of  learning  were  founded 
under  Domnall  II.  ? 

A.  The  monastery  of  Devenish  was  established  by  St. 
Laserian,  who  died  a.d.  638,  and  the  celebrated,  school 
of  Lismore  in  Munster,  by  St.  Carthagh,  who  also  went  to 
his  reward  in  that  year. 

Q.  Give  the  number  of  students  in  some  of  the  monas- 
tic schools  at  this  time. 

A.  Lothra  had  150  students j  Taghmon,  152 ;  Foure, 
300 ;  Cong,  300  ;  Balysadare'^  300 ;  Louth,  480  ;  I^is- 
more,  800;  Rathin,  860;  Clonfert,  900;  Leighlin,  1,500; 
Arran,  1,500;  Devenish,  1,500;  Bangor,  3,000;  Clonard, 
3,000 ;  Annadown,  3,000 ;  and  Armagh,  4,000.  Later 
on,  the  last  mentioned  had  as  many  as  7,000,  with  one 
hundred  lecturers. 

Q.'  By  whom  was  Switzerland  converted  ? 

A.  By  St.  Gall,  who  accompanied  St.  Columban  to 
that  country  and  remained  there  after  him.  After  estab- 
lishing a  monastery,  and  bringing  the  inhabitants  to  the 
faith,  he  died  in  the  year  646. 

Q.  What  natives  of  Ireland  were  laboring  in  Britain  ? 


86  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  The  most  noted  is  St.  Aidan,  who  came  from  lona 
with  twelve  monks,  and  preached  to  the  pagans  of  North- 
umbria  at  the  request  of  Oswald,  their  king.  The  saint 
built  a  monastery  at  Mailross,  and  another  on  the  Isle  of 
Lindisfarne,  a.d.  635.  After  a  laborious  life  of  seventeen 
years  as  bishop,  he  died  in  651,  and  was  succeeded  by 
St.  Finian,  another  monk  of  lona.  This  new  apostle 
had  the  happiness  to  baptize  Penda,  King  of  Mercia. 
and  Sigebert,  of  East  Anglia,  together  with  many  of  their 
courtiers  and  subjects,  a.d.  660. 

Q.  What  affliction  visited  Ireland  meanwhile  ? 

A.  In  May,  656,  a  remarkable  solar  eclipse  took  place, 
and  in  August  of  the  same  year  a  pestilence,  called  the 
Yellow  Plague,  broke  out ;  and,  continuing  its  ravages 
for  several  years,  swept  away  two-thirds  of  the  inhabi- 
tants. 

Q.  What  important  conference  took  place  in  Britain  ? 

A.  That  of  Whitby,  held  a.d.  664,  to  decide,  as  in 
Ireland,  as  to  the  proper  time  of  celebrating  Easter. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  ? 

A.  The  monks  of  lona  upheld  their  ancient  custom, 
and  the  great  body  of  the  Saxons  favored  their  old  mas- 
ters ;  but,  the  influence  of  Rome  was  too  great,  and  the 
assembly,  or  rather  the  king,  decided  against  them  in 
favor  of  St.  Peter. 

Q.  What  did  St.  Colman,  the  successor  of  Finian, 
do?  ■ 

A.  Rather  than  give  up  the  custom  of  his  forefathers, 
he  resigned  his  see,  and  withdraw  with  thirty  Saxon  and 
all  his  Irish  monks  to  the  Isle  of  Inisboffin  on  the  west 
coast  of  Ireland,  a.d.  667.  Here  he  built  a  monastery 
for  his  countrymen,  and  afterwards  another  in  Mayo  for 
his  Saxon  followers.     The  latter  soon  became  known  as 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  87 

"  Mayo  of  the  Saxons,"  and  had  as  many  as  three  thou- 
sand students.     St.  Colman  died  in  676. 

Q.  Did  many  other  strangers  go  to  reside  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  Yes ;  Bede  tells  us  that  in  the  time  of  Finian  and 
Colman,  many  nobles  and  others  of  the  English  nation 
were  living  in  Ireland,  whither  they  had  gone  either  to 
cultivate  the  sacred  studies  or  to  lead  more  chaste  lives. 
Some  became  monks,  and  others  merely  attended  the 
monasteries  to  hear  the  lectures  of  the  professors.  But 
all  were  cheerfully  received  by  the  Irish,  who  supplied 
them  gratis  with  books  and  teachers. — Eccl.  Hist.,  Hi.,  27. 

Q.  How  does  Camden,  the  English  historian,  confirm 
this  ? 

A.  He  tells  us  that  anciently  the  English  Saxons 
flocked  to  Ireland  as  to  the  mart  of  sacred  learning,  and 
that  this  fact  is  frequently  mentioned  in  the  lives  of  the 
eminent  men  among  them.  Thus,  of  a  certain  Salgenius 
we  read  that, 

"  With  love  of  learning  and  examples  fired. 
To  Ireland,  famed  for  wisdom,  he  retired." 

Brit,  de  Hibern.,  p.  730. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  those  who  studied  in  Ireland. 

A,  Eanfrid,  King  of  Bernicia,  a  section  of  Northum- 
bria,  a.d.  6^^  ;  Oswald,  King  of  Northumbria,  635-642  ; 
and  Alcfrid,  King  of  the  same  realm,  685-705,  were  in 
Ireland  during  sixteen  years,  from  a.d.  617  10633;  Dago- 
bert  II.,  King  of  Austrasia,  673-679,  resided  there  from 
the  year  655  to  670. 

Q.  What  missionaries  did  Ireland  send  to  Gaul  ? 

A.  St.  Eustasius,  Abbot  of  Luxeuil,  a.d.  625  ;  St.  Psal- 
modius,  hermit,  near  Limoges,  630 ;  St.  Deicola,  Ab- 
bot of  Lure,  St.  Plechelm,  Apostle  of  Guelderland,  632 ; 


r*- 


88  CATECHISM  OF  IRISff  HISTORY. 

St.  Wiro,  confessor  of  Pepin  of  Herstal,  and  St.  Farsey, 
who  first  labored  in  Britain  under  Sigebert,  King  of  East 
Anglia,  and  then  went  to  Gaul,  where  he  died  after  found- 
ing the  monastery  of  Lagney,  near  Paris,  650 ;  St.  Folian, 
martyr,  655  ;  St.  Caidoc,  priest,  "to  whom  Ireland  gave 
birth  and  the  Gallic  land  a  grave ; "  and  St.  Fiaker,  an- 
choret and  confessor,  near  Paris,  670.  To  these  must  be 
added  St.  Livin,  who  suffered  martyrdom  in  Flanders  in 
the  year  6^^. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  saints  that  died  in  Ireland  dur- 
ing this  era  ? 

A.  They  are  so  num&rous  that  it  is  impossible  to  name 
them  all ;  and  what  is  truly  surprising  is,  that  nearly  all 
were  remarkable  for  their  literary  acquirements.  Among 
those  best  known  are  St.  Finbar,  first  Bishop  of  Cork, 
A.D.  570-630;  St.  Edan,  first  Bishop  of  Ferns,  560-632  ; 
St.  Pulcherius,  founder  of  the  monastery  of  Leathmore, 
550-656  ;  and  St.  Aileran,  Regent  of  the  school  of  Ar- 
magh, 665. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

From  Finnada  II.,  A.£>.6J5,  to  Domnall  III,  A.D.  743. 

|0W  long  did  Finnacta  II.  reign? 
A.  During  twenty  years. 
Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 
A.  He  was  a  pious  and  hospitable  mon- 
arch, and  is  honored  as  a  saint  in  the  Irish  calendar. 

Q.  What  was  the  first  important  occurrence  of  his 
reign  ? 

A.  In  the  year  680  the  Picts  made  a  descent  upon  Ire- 
land, but  they  were  totally  defeated  at  Rathmore  in  An- 
trim and  obliged  to  leave  the  country. 

Q.  What  other  incursion  soon  took  place  ? 

A.  Egfrid,  King  of  Northumbria,  sent  Berctus,  his  gen- 
eral, to  ravage  the  coast  of  I^einster.  After  slaying  sev- 
eral of  the  clergy  and  the  people,  the  invaders  made 
good  their  escape  with  numerous  captives  and  considera- 
ble booty,  A.D,  684. 

Q.  What  is  the  principal  event  in  the  reign  of  Fin- 
nacta II.  ? 

A.  The  abolition  of  the  Boru  or  Leinster  tribute,  by 
this  good  monarch,  at  the  request  of  St.  Moling  of  Ferns, 
A.D.  687. 

Q.  What  other  act  shows  the  influence  of  the  clergy  ? 

A.  Through  the  influence  of  St.  Adamnan,  Abbot  of 
lona,  in  the  following  reign  a  law  was  passed  for  the  pro- 


90  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

tection  of  women  and  children  in  time  of  war  and  civil 
strife. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  other  occurrences  of  this  time. 

A.  In  700  and  712  bands  of  adventurers  from  Britain 
made  descents  on  Ireland  in  quest  of  plunder,  but  they 
were  driven  oflf  before  inflicting  serious  injury. 

Q.  Did  the  country  then  enjoy  peace  ? 

A.  No ;  the  monarch  Hugh  V.  carried  on  a  war  against 
Leinster,  and,  in  a  battle  fought  at  Emania,  nine  thousand 
men  were  left  on  the  field,  a.d.  733. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  religious  state  of  the  country  ? 

A.  It  was  in  a  very  flourishing  condition.  Marianus 
Scotus,  the  annalist,  tells  us  that  at  this  period  Ireland  was 
full  of  learned  men. 

Q.  Did  many  of  them  go  into  other  countries  ? 

A.  Yes ;  Venerable  Bede  informs  us  that  in  his  time 
they  were  daily  coming  into  Britain,  preaching  the  word 
of  God  with  great  devotion. — Eccl.  Hist.^  Lib.  JIT., 
Cap.  3. 

Q.  Did  any  repair  to  France  ? 

A.  Yes ;  as  we  learn  from  Eric  of  Auxerre,  who  cries 
out,  "What  shall  I  say  of  Ireland,  which,  despising  the 
dangers  of  the  deep,  is  migrating  with  almost  her  whole 
train  of  philosophers  to  our  shores." — Letter  to  Charles  the 
Bald. 

Q.   Give  the  testimony  of  Thierry. 

A.  This  author  declares  that  Ireland  counted  a  host  of 
saints  and  learned  men  venerated  in  England  and  Gaul ; 
for  no  country  had  furnished  more  Christian  missionaries 
uninfluenced  by  other  motives  than  pure  zeal  to  commu- 
nicate to  foreign  nations  the  opinions  and  faith  of  their 
own  land. — Hist,  de  la  Conqnete  de  l Angleterre,  Lib.   X, 

Q.  Mention  some  of  those  who  labored  in  England. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  9I 

A.  The  most  famous  are  St.  Maildulf,  pLv>.  675,  and  St 
Cuthbert,  a.d.  687.  The  latter  was  Bishop  of  Lindis- 
farne,  and  the  former,  founder  of  the  monastery  of  Maild-- 
ulfsbury,  from  which  the  city  of  Malmesbury  takes  its 
name.  Maildulf  was  also  master  of  St.  Aldhelm,  and  the 
first  to  introduce  Latin  rhyme  into  England. 

Q.  What  learned  Irish  monk  flourished  in  Albania  ? 

A.  St.  Adamnan,  ninth  abbot  of  Jona,  and  author  of  a 
work  on  the  Holy  Land,  and  a  life  of  St.  Columba,  which 
is  said  to  be  the  best  piece  of  Latii^  writing  of  the  middle 
ages,  A.D.  704. 

Q.  Name  some  Irish  saints  honored  on  the  continent. 

A.  At.  Strasburg,  St.  Arbogast,  bishop,  646-679;  in 
Austrasia,  St.  Rouin,  founder  of  the  abbey  of  Beaulieu, 
594-680  ;  in  Picardy,  St.  Maguil,  recluse,  685;  at  Fosse 
iu  Gaul,  St.  Ultan,  abbol>  686  ;  also  at  Strasburg,  St. 
Florence,  bishop,  687  ;  iu  Franconia,  St.  Kilian,  bishop, 
St.  Colnian,  priest,  and  St.  Totnan,  deacon,  martyrs, 
688  ;  at  Disenberg,  in  Germany,  St.  Disen,  apostle  and 
abbot,  715;  and,  in  the  same  country,  St.  Albuin,  Bishop 
of  Buraburg  and  Apostle  of  Thuringia,  a.d.  742. 

Q.  Are  these  all  that  are  known  to  us  ? 

A.  No ;  there  were  numerous  others ;  but  these  fiew 
will  show  with  what  zeal  the  Irish  sought  to  spread  the 
Gospel  throughout  Northern  Europe.  Nor  did  they  confine 
themselves  to  the  North,  for  we  also  find  them  in  Catho- 
lic Spain  and  Italy.  Thus  St.  Cataldus  became  second 
Bishop  of  Tarentum.  His  image  at  Rome  had  an  in- 
scription which  is  thus  translated  : 

?'  Hibernia  gave  me  birth  ;  thence  wafted  o'er 
I  sought  the  sacred  Solymean  shore. 
To  thee,  Tarentum,  holy  rites  I  gave. 
Precepts  divine;  and  thou  to  me  a  grave." 


9«  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  native  of  Ireland  acquired  honor  in  Spain  ? 

A.  Sedulius  the  Younger,  who  travelled  to  Rome,  and 
took  an  active  part  in  a  council  held  by  Gregory  II.,  a.d. 
721.  He  then  became  Bishop  of  Oreto  in  Spain,  and 
acquired  fame  by  his  "  Commentary  on  the  Epistles  of  St. 
Paul,"  and  other  learned  works. 

Q.  What  custom  had  now  come  into  use  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  That  of  gossipred,  which  means  that  the  different 
chiefs  were  wont  to  stand  as  sponsors  at  the  baptism  of 
the  children  of  their  clansmen. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  said  of  this  custom  ? 

A.  It  gratified  the  people  and  served  to  knit  still  more 
closely  the  affectionate  ties  which  bound  them  to  their 
chiefs. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

From  Domnall  III.,  A.D.  743,  to  Hugh  VL,  A.D.  797. 

HAT  gives  us  an  insight  into  the  character  ot 
this  new  era  ? 

A.  The  fact  that  several  monarchs  and 
princes  resigned  their  crown  and  retired  to 
monasteries,  where  they  gave  themselves  up  to  prayer  and 
mortification.  Among  these  were  Domnall  III.,  who 
after  reigning  twenty  years,  closed  his  life  at  lona,  and 
Niall  II.,  who  died  a  monk  at  the  same  place,  a.d.  778. 

Q.  Did  many  of  the  people  imitate  these  good  mon- 
archs ? 

A.  Yes  ;  it  is  calculated  that  about  one-third  of  the  in- 
habitants of  the  island  gave  themselves  to  the  service  of 
God  in  religion. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Niall  II.  ? 

A.  Donncad  I.,  who  ruled  for  twenty-seven  years,  a.d. 
770-797. 

Q.  What  new  religious  order  sprang  up  about  this 
time  ? 

A.  The  Culdees,  who  were  a  species  of  lay  monks.  At 
first  they  had  no  fixed  rule  or  habitations,  but  about  the 
middle  of  this  century  they  were  formed  into  regular 
communities.  They  were  celebites,  and  lived  on  the 
charity  of  the  faithful  and  by  the  labor  of  their  own  hands. 

Q.  Did  learning  continue  to  flourish  ? 

A.  Yes ;  the  different  monastic  schools  were  now 
filled  to  overflowing,  and  the  extent  and  profundity  of 


94  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HIS  TOR  Y. 

their  course  of  instruction   is  best  shown   in  the  many 
learned  men  they  sent  forth  into  other  countries. 

Q.  What  new  work  was  now  brought  out  ? 

A.  The  first  prayer  book  was  compiled  by  St.  Colgu, 
who  died  a.d.   791. 

Q.  What  native  of  Ireland  is  classed  with  the  heretics 
of  this  era  ? 

A.  Clement,  who  opposed  St.  Boniface  in  Germany, 
and  rejected  the  canons  or  ecclesiastical  laws.  He  also 
erred  concerning  predestination,  and  taught  that  Christ,  in 
his  descent  into  hell,  delivered  all  the  souls  of  the 
damned,  a.d.  745. 

Q.  Who  was  St.  Boniface  ? 

A.  The  apostle  of  Germany.  According  to  some  au- 
thors he  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  but  however  that  may 
be,  it  is  certain  he  spent  several  years  in  its  schools. — See 
Pertz,  Marianus,  and  Trithemhis. 

Q.  What  other  great  man  studied  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  St.  Willibrord,  who  converted  the  inhabitants  of 
Friesland.  This  saint  lived  in  Ireland  for  twelve  years, 
during  which  he  prepared  himself  for  his  future  labors  by 
prayer  and  the  study  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  the  native  saints  of  this  era.* 

A.  St.  Cuchumne,  author  of  a  Latin  hymn  in  honor  of 
the  Mother  of  God,  a.d.  746 ;  St.  Rumold,  bishop,  mar- 
tyr, and  Patron  of  Mechlin  in  Brabant,  775 ;  and  St.  Vir- 
gilius.  Patron  of  Carinthia  and  Bishop  of  Salsburg. 

Q.  What  fame  was  acquired  by  the  latter  ? 

A.  After  leaving  Ireland  about  the  year  746,  he  so- 
journed in  France  for  two  years,  and  then  went  to  Bava- 
ria, where  he  won  a  great  reputation  in  controversy  with 
St.  BonifacCj  by  his  superior  knowledge  in  astronomy  and 
theology. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  95 

Q.  What  was  the  result  of  this  dispute  ? 

A.  Having  been  accused  of  heresy  to  Pope  Zachary, 
for  maintaining  first  that  the  earth  was  a  sphere  and  in- 
habited on  the  other  side,  and  secondly  for  teaching  that 
'n  baptism  an  ungrammatical  form  is  valid,  provided  there 
IS  an  intention  of  baptizing,  the  pope  approved  of  the  lat- 
ter proposition,  but  advised  that  a  council  be  held,  and, 
should  the  first  charge  prove  true,  the  offender  was  to  be 
expelled  from  the  Church.  It  is  probable,  however,  that 
Virgilius  gave  a  satisfactory  explanation  of  his  doctrine, 
for,  instead  of  suffering  excommunication,  he  was  made 
Bishop  of  Salsburg,  a.d.  766. 

Q.  Give  the  subsequent  life  of  this  learned  man, 
.  A.  After  his  elevation  to  the  episcopate,  he  built  a 
magnificent  basilica  at  Salsburg  in  honor  of  St.  Rupert ; 
but  the  greatest  service  he  rendered  to  religion  was  the 
part  he  took  in  the  conversion  of  Carinthia.  Having 
educated  and  baptized  two  princes  of  that  province,  he 
was  thus  enabled  to  bring  its  inhabitants  to  the  faith.  He 
died  about  the  year  785,  and  was  canonized  by  Gregory 
IX.,  A.D.  1233.     He  is  honored  as  Apostle  of  Carinthia. 

Q.  What  great  universities  did  Irish  scholars  found  on 
the  Cohtinent? 

A.  Those  of  Paris  and  Pavia. 

Q.  When  were  they  established  ? 

A.  In  the  time  of  the  Emperor  Charlemagne. 

Q.  Give  the  names  of  the  founders. 

A.  They  are  known  as  Clement  and  Albin. 

Q.  What  do  the  annalists  say  of  them  ? 

A.  They  tell  us  that  in  the  year  792,  when  learning  was 
almost  everywhere  lost,  two  men  from  Ireland  landed  in 
France.  Seeing  the  people  busy  buying  and  selling,  they 
cried  aloud,  "  If  anybody  wants  wisdom,  let  him  come  to 


96  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

I 

US  and  receive  it,  for  we  have  it  to  sell."  On  hearing 
these  words  frequently  repeated,  the  crowds  were  aston- 
ished and  thought  them  mad.  But  the  strangers  knew 
what  they  were  about,  for  Charlemagne,  hearing  of  the 
affair,  sent  for  them,  and  finding  them  in  truth  very 
learned,  received  them  in  his  palace.  After  a  time,  Cle- 
ment began  to  teach  at  Paris  under  the  patronage  of  the 
emperor,  and  Albin  was  sent  into  Italy,  where  he  organ- 
ized a  school  near  Pavia  for  the  instruction  of  the  young 
nobility.  Such  are  the  circumstances  connected  with  the 
origin  of  the  first  universities  of  the  world. 

Q.  What  other  foundations  were  made  by  Irishmen 
outside  their  own  country  ? 

A.  It  has  been  calculated  that  about  this  time  the  Irish 
monks  had  established  twelve  monasteries  in  England, 
thirteen  in  Scotland,  nine  in  Belgium,  nineteen  in  France, 
ten  in  Alsace,  seven  in  Lorraine,  sixteen  in  Bavaria,  six  in 
Italy,  and  more  than  fifteen  in  Switzerland  and  Thuringia. 

Q.  Mention  the  most  famous  of  these. 

A.  lona  in  Scotland,  Glastonbury,  Malmesbury  and 
I.indisfarne  in  England  ;  Luxeuil  and  Fontaine  in  France  ; 
St.  Gall  in  Switzerland ;  Ratisbon  in  Germany ;  and 
Bobbio  in  Italy. 

Q.  Give  the  number  of  Irish  saints  honored  throughout 
Europe. 

A.  There  were  forty-four  venerated  in  England ;  forty- 
five,  in  France,  of  whom  six  were  martyrs ;  thirty  in  Bel- 
gium ;  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  Germany,  of  whom 
thirty-six  were  martyrs ;  thirteen  in  Italy ;  and  eight,  all 
martyrs,  in  Norway  and  Iceland ;  besides  several  in 
Scotland  and  elsewhere. 


SECOND  PERIOD. 

THE    DANISH  -WARS. 

From  the  Arrival  of  the  Danes,  a.d.  795,  to  that 
OF  THE  Anglo-Normans,  a.d,  1169. 


CHAPTER  I. 

From  Hugh  VI.,  A.D.  797,  to  Malachy  /,  A.D.  845. 

HO  occupied  the  throne  at  the  opening  of  this 
period  ? 

A.  Hugh  VI.,  who  ruled   for  twenty-four 
years. 

Q.  How  was  the  country  disturbed  in  his  reign  ? 
A.  It  was  disturbed  by  the  attacks  of  the  Northmen  or 
Danes. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Danes  ? 

A.  The  Danes  were  natives  of  Norway  and  Denmark, 
who  lived   by   piracy  and  by  plundering  the   coast  of 
Europe,  under  the  guidance  of  sea-kings. 
Q.  Describe  their  religion  and  character. 
A.  They  were  pagans  of  the  most  bitter  and  supersti- 
tious type,  and,  as  they  believed  that  future  happiness 
depended  on  valor  in  battle,  they  were  also  extremely 
venturesojne  and  brave. 
S 


98  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  How  were  they  armed. 

A.  They  carried  either  a  heavy  battle-axe  and  a  twc»- 
edged  sword,  or  a  long  bow  and  javelin,  together  with  a 
large  leather  or  wooden  shield. 

Q.  What  was  their  career  in  other  lands  ? 

A.  After  ravaging  France  for  several  years,  many  of 
them  at  length  settled  in  that  part  known  as  Normandy, 
A.D.  912.  They  subdued  England  and  gave  several  kings  to 
the  throne,  a.d.  ioi 6-1066.  In  distant  Italy  they  estab- 
lished another  kingdom,  a.d.  1018  ;  but  in  Spain  and  Ire- 
land they  were  stopped  in  their  conquering  career. 

Q.  When  did  they  appear  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  At  the  close  of  the  reign  of  Donncad  I.,  a.d.  795, 
they  made  their  first  descent  on  the  Isle  of  Rathlin,  upon 
the  northern  coast. 

Q.  What  took  place  soon  after  this  ? 

A.  As  if  anticipating  approaching  danger,  the  clergy 
sought  and  obtained  exemption  from  military  service 
from  the  monarch  Hugh  VI.  about  the  year  800. 

Q.  When  did  the  Danes  arrive  in  force  ? 

A.  In  the  year  812  they  began  to  ravage  the  South  of 
Ireland,  but,  on  this  occasion,  four  hundred  of  them  were 
slain  as  they  retired  to  their  ships. 

Q.  What  able  chief  took  command  of  the  invaders  ? 

A.  Turgesius,  the  Tyrant,  who  arrived  in  Ireland  about 
the  year  818. 

Q.  What  took  place  in  that  year  ? 
A.  They  surprised  the  monastery  of  Bangor  and  put 
nine  hundred  monks  to  the  sword. 

Q.  What  other  excesses  did  they  commit  ? 
A.  During  the  next  twenty-five  years  the  island  was  in- 
fested by  the  invaders,  and  all  who  fell   into  their  hands 
had  to  pay  a  tax  called  airgiod  srone,  or  nose  money^ 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  99 

if  they  would  save  their  noses.  Ruin  and  desolation  fol- 
lowed their  track ;  and  churches,  sacred  shrines,  and  mo- 
nastic schools  were  everywhere  destroyed  by  them. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  places  thus  ravaged. 

A.  They  plundered  lona,  a.d.  798 ;  Bangor,  824 ; 
Down,  825  ;  Armagh,  832  ;  Lismore,  ^t^t,  ;  Kildare,  837  ; 
Dublin,  838  ;  Ferns,  838  ;  Cork,  840 ;  and  Clonfert,  842. 

Q.  What  was  the  fate  of  Turgesius  ? 

A.  Having  been  captured  by  Malachy,  King  of  Meath, 
he  was  drowned  in  punishment  of  his  crimes,  a.d.  843. 
His  followers  were  then  attacked  on  all  sides,  and  after 
great  numbers  of  them  had  been  slain,  the  rest  thought  it 
prudent  to  leave  the  island. 

Q.  K[ow  did  their  invasions  affect  the  country  ? 

A.  They  were  the  source  of  manifold  evils.  Libraries 
were  destroyed,  piety  declined,  and  many  learned  men 
took  refuge  on  the  continent. 

Q,  Mention  a  few  of  these. 

A.  Dicuil,  author  of  a  geographical  treatise  styled  Dg 
Mensura  Orbis  TerrcB  ;  Dongal,  who  wrote  in  defense  of 
sacred  images,  and  addressed  an  epistle  to  Charlemagne  i 
on  the  solar  eclipse  of  the  year  810.  After  residing  at 
St.  Denis,  near  Paris,  this  learned  man  became  a  professor 
of  the  University  of  Pavia  in  Italy,  where  he  died ;  St. 
Findan,  founder  of  the  monastery  of  Richnaw  in  Germany, 
A.D.  82  7 ;  and  Claude  Clement,  who  went  to  France, 
where  he  wrote  an  accordance  of  the  Evangelists,  and 
commentaries  on  the  Pentateuch,  the  Books  of  Josue, 
Judges,  Ruth,  and  the  Psalms  ;  and  on  the  Gospel  of 
St.  Matthew,  and  the  Epistles  of  St.  Paul.  Some  homilies 
and  historical  memoirs  are  also  attributed  to  him. 


CHAPTER  II. 

From  Malachy  L,  A.D.  845,  to  Flann,  A.D.  879, 

I OW  long  did  Malachy  I.  reign  ? 

A.  Like   his    successor,    Hugh   VII.,   he 
reigned  sixteen  years. 

Q.  What  marked  his  accession  ? 

A.  The  beginning  of  his  reign  was  signalized  by  as 
many  as  seven  victories,  in  which  more  than  five  thousand 
of  the  Danes  were  slain. 

Q.  What  favored  the  success  of  the  natives  ? 

A.  The  dissensions  that  arose  among  the  invaders. 
The  adventurers  from  Denmark  attacked  and  dispersed 
those  from  Norway,  and  the  consequence  was  that  as 
long  as  they  remained  divided,  they  ceased  to  be  really 
formidable  to  the  country.  On  one  occasion  both  parties 
lost  one  thousand  men,  and  on  another,  a  still  greater 
number. 

Q.  What  means  were  adopted  by  the  natives  to  protect 
their  lives  and  treasures  ? 

A.  Massive  stone  round-towers  were  everywhere  erect- 
ed, and  in  these,  women,  children,  and  other  noncom- 
batants  found  the  needed  security. 

Q    VVhat  transpired  in  Albania  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  loi 

A.  Keneth  MacAlpine  subdued  the  Picts,  and,  fixing 
the  seat  of  power  at  Scone,  became  the  first  king  of  all 
Albania,  or  Scotland,  a.d.  850. 

Q.  State  the  relations  held  with  France. 

A.  Malachy  I.  sent  an  embassy  to  Charles  the  Bald, 
King  of  France,  and  the  friendship  then  mutually  pledged 
has  been  cherished  by  the  two  nations  even  to  recent 
times. 

Q.  How  did  Hugh  VH.  illustrate  his  reign  ? 

A»  By  a  decisive  victory  which  he  won  over  a  force  of 
five  thousand  Danes. 

Q.  How  did  the  invaders  avenge  this  defeat  ? 

A.  They  burned  Armagh,  and  put  one  thousand  per- 
sons to  the  sword.  I 

Q.  What  was  now  the  general  condition  of  the  coun- 
try ?  i 

A.  On  account  of  home-feuds  and  the  ravages  of  the 
Northmen,  the  former  happiness  and  prosperity  of  the 
country  were  fast  disappearing ;  but,  despite  the  ravages 
of  war,  we  often  meet  with  men  and  deeds  that  are  wor- 
thy of  the  highest  praise. 

Q.  What  great  man  flourished  in  this  age  ? 

A.  John  Scotus  Erigena,  the  first  scholastic  philosopher 
of  the  middle  ages. 

Q.   Sketch  his  life. 

A.  This  learned  doctor  and  extraordinary  thinker  passed 
from  Ireland  into  France,  some  time  before  the  year  847. 
Charles  the  Bald  welcomed  him  to  his  court,  and  placed 
him  at  the  head  of  the  school  of  the  palace.  After  a  most 
brilliant  career,  he  died  about  the  year  873.  Some  few, 
however,  maintain  that  he  retired  to  England,  where  he 
lived  till  884. 

Q.  Why  is  he  especially  remarkable  ? 


I02  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  After  the  barbarous  ages  which  followed  the  north- 
ern invasions  in  Europe,  Erigena  rose  suddenly  to  the 
heights  of  metaphysics,  reduced  the  Christian  faith  to  a 
scientific  system,  and  acquired  special  fame  as  the  founder 
of  the  system  of  scholastic  philosophy,  which  prevailed  in 
the  middle  ages.  He  was  also,  it  is  said,  the  first  to  hold 
heretical  opinions  concerning  the  August  Sacrament  of  the 
Altar. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  his  works. 

A.  Besides  translating  into  Latin  the  Greek  works  of 
the  pseudo  Denis  the  Areopagite,  he  composed  tracts 
"On  Predestination,"'  *'  On  the  Vision  of  God,"  "On  the 
Body  and  Blood  of  Christ,"  and  philosophical  treatises 
"On  the  Division  of  Nature,"  and  "  On  the  Creation  of 
the  Soul  and  its  Return  to  God." 

Q.  What  other  philosopher  was  a  contemporary  of 
Erigena  ? 

A.  Macarius,  who  also  lived  in  France,  where  he  pub- 
lished a  treatise,  De  Anima,  "  On  the  Soul,"  maintaining 
the  singular  doctrine  that  one  soul  animated  all  man- 
kind. I 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  the  saints  who  flourished  at  this 
era. 

A.  Among  the  most  noted  are  St.  Donatus,  St. 
Andrew,  and  St.  Modvvina,  virgin,  who  built  several  mon- 
asteries in  England  and  Scotland ;  St.  Moengal,  who 
taught  at  St.  Gall,  in  Switzerland ;  St.  Patrick,  Abbot  of 
Glastonbury,  in  England,  and  St.  Helias,  Bishop  of  An- 
goulome,  in  France,  a.d.  876. 

Q.  What  is  related  of  St.  Donatus  and  St.  Andrew  ? 

A.  These  two  saints  made  a  pilgrimage  to  Rome,  and 
St.  Donatus  was  made  Bishop  of  Fiesole  in  Italy,  and  St. 
Andrew,  Archdeacon  in  the  same  church.     The  former 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  laj 

died  about  the  year  Zd^t-)  ^'^^  left  several  tracts,  of  which 
the  following  is  a  sample  : 

"  Far  westward  lies  an  isle  of  ancient  fame. 
By  nature  blessed,  and  Scotia  is  her  name  ; 
An  island  rich,  exhaustless  is  her  store 
Of  veiny  silver  and  of  golden  ore. 
Her  fruitful  soil  forever  teems  with  wealth. 
With  gems  her  waters,  and  her  air  with  health. 
Her  verdant  fields  with  milk  and  honey  flow. 
Her  woolly  fleeces  vie  with  virgin  snow. 

Her  waving  furrows  float  with  bearded  com. 

And  arms  and  arts  her  envied  sons  adorn. 

No  savage  bear  with  lawless  fury  roves. 

No  rav'ning  lion  through  her  sacred  groves ; 

No  poison  there  infects ;  no  scaly  snake 

Creeps  through  the  grass,  nor  frog  annoys  the  lake. 

An  island  worthy  of  its  pious  race, 

In  war  triumphant,  and  unmatched  in  peace." 


CHAPTER  III. 

From  Flann,  A.D.  879,  to  Congall  III.,  A.D.  919. 

I OW  long  did  Flann  reign  ? 

A.  During  a  term  of  thirty-seven  years, 
A.D,  879-916. 

Q.  Who  occupied  the  throne  of  England  ? 

A.  Alfred  the  Great,  a.d.  871-900. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  reign  of  Flann  ? 

A.  Though  the  Danes  continued  their  dissensions,  and 
the  monarch  gained  several  victories  over  them,  still  this 
did  not  prevent  them  from  plundering  Clonard,  a.d.  887, 
Armagh,  888,  Cork,  913,  and  Lismore  in  the  same  year. 
However,  notwithstanding  all  this,  the  reign  of  Flann  was 
comparatively  prosperous  and  tranquil. 

Q.  How  is  this  fact  explained  ? 

A.  At  this  time  Harrold,  who  ruled  Norway  (885-934), 
turned  his  arms  against  the  sea-kings,  and,  attacking  them 
in  their  northern  strongholds,  pursued  them  with  so  much 
vigor  during  fifty  years,  that  these  pirates  were  unable  to 
give  much  attention  to  foreign  expeditions. 

Q.  What  is  recorded  of  one  of  the  historians  of  Ice- 
land? 

A.  A  historian  of  Iceland  relates  that  in  the  reign  of 
Harrold  a  body  of  his  enemies  fled  for  safety  to  that 
island.  Here,  says  he,  they  found  Christian  men  who, 
"  being  unwilling  to  remain  with  heathens,  went  away 
forthwith,  leaving  behind  them  Irish  books,  small  bells 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  XOS 

and  staffs  ;  whence  it  was  easy  to  perceive  that  they  were 
of  the  Irish  nation."  Moreover,  the  names  of  Buo,  John 
and  Ernulph  are  given  as  those  of  Irish  missionaries  who 
labored  in  Iceland. —  Vide  Ara  Multiscius  in  Scheda  de 
Jslandia,  Cap.  II.  ^ 

Q.  Did  the  love  of  virtue  and  knowledge  still  prevail 
in  Ireland  ? 

A.  Yes ;  and  despite  the  disorders  of  the  times,  many 
monasteries  on  the  continent  continued  to  be  regularly 
supplied  with  abbots  and  monks  from  Ireland.  Thus, 
among  those  who  went  to  France,  we  may  mention  St. 
Anatolius,  bishop  and  confessor,  who  died  at  Salins  about 
the  middle  of  the  tenth  century. 

Q.  What  was  done  by  Alfred  the  Great  ? 
A.  In  his  projects  for  the  advancement  of  literature, 
Alfred  sought  the  advice  and  direction  of  three  natives  of 
Ireland,  who  were  remarkable  by  their  piety  and  learning, 
A.D.  891. 

Q.  Who  occupied  the  throne  of  Munster  at  this  time  ? 
A.  Cormac  Mac  Cullenan,  Bishop  of  Cashel,  who  was 
crowned  king  of  that  province,  a.d.  900. 
Q.  What  work  is  ascribed  to  him  ? 
A.  The  historical  compilation  known  as  the  •'  Saltair  of 
Cashel,"  a.d.  903. 

Q.  Describe  his  character  and  fate. 
A,  Cormac  was  a  lover  of  learning  and  a  man  of  peace, 
but,  at  the  instigation  of  others,  he  undertook  an  expedi- 
tion into  Leinster,  and  there  at  Ballaghmoon,  in  a  battle 
foiisht  against  the  forces  of  the  rest  of  Ireland  under 
Flann,  he  was  defeated  and  slain  with  six  thousand  men, 
A.D.  907. 

Q.  What  is  related  of  Flann  on  this  occasion  ? 
A.  When  the  head  of  his  adversary  was  brought  to  him 
I* 


lo6  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

after  the  victory,  Flann  rebuked  the  bearer,  and,  rever- 
ently kissing  the  lips  of  the  dead,  ordered  the  remains  to 
be  decently  interred. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  his  own  death  ? 

A.  As  became  his  virtue,  and  the  peaceful  tenor  of  his 
reign,  Flann  ended  his  life  in  a  religions  house  in  the 
sixty-eighth  year  of  his  age,  June  8th,  a.d.  916. 

Q.   Who  succeeded  to  the  throne  ? 

A.  Niall  IV.,  a  brave  monarch,  whose  short  reign  of 
three  years  is  memorable  only  by  his  heroic  death  in  an 
assault  on  Dublin,  then  held  by  the  Danes,  a.d.  919. 

Q.  What  class  of  saints  was  most  numerous  at  this  pe- 
riod? 

A,  They  were  mostly  martyred  ecclesiastics. 

Q.  Why  was  this  the  case  ? 

A.  Because  the  Danes  hated  Christianity,  and  hence 
they  took  special  delight  in  putting  to  death  bishops, 
priests,  and  monks. 


J 


CHAPTER  IV. 

From  Donne  ad  II.,  A.D.  919,  to  Malachy  II.,  A.D.  979. 

I  HAT  was  the  condition  of  Ireland  in  the  tenth 
century  ? 

A.  Like  the  rest  of  Europe,  Ireland  was 

at  this  period  still  harassed  by  the  Danes, 

Hjwho  inflicted   the  greatest  miseries  on   the  inhabitants. 

The  most  crying  evils  of  all,  however,  were  due  to  the 

jealousy  and  broils  of  the  native  princes  struggling  for 

supremacy. 

Q.  What  lias  been  deduced  from  this  state,  of  things  ? 

A.  It  is  sometimes  said  by  the  enemies  of  Ireland  that 
her  history  is  but  a  catalogue  of  brief  and  bloody  reigns. 

Q.  Is  this  charge  true  ? 

A.  No,  it  is  not.  Such  a  charge  springs  from  igno- 
rance, and  its  falsity  will  appear  if  we  compare  the  annals 
of  Ireland  with  the  contemporary  history  of  other  coun- 
tries. For  instance,  during  this  era,  embracing  sixty 
years  of  the  tenth  century — one  of  the  most  turbulent  in 
Irish  history — only  three  monarchs  occupied  the  throne, 
so  that  each  reigned  on  an  average  fully  twenty  years ; 
whereas,  at  the  same  epoch,  in  a  shorter  space  of  time, 
there  died  seven  English  kings,  and  as  many  as  thirteen 
popes,  who  had  not  to  battle  against  fierce  Danes,  as  had 
the  Irish  monarchs. 

Q.  How  did  Donncad  II.  signalize  his  accession? 

A.  In  the  first  year  of  his  reign  he  attacked  and  slew  a 


lo8  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

large  body  of  Danes  who  were  returning  from  the  plunder 
of  Kells. 

Q.  What  other  victory  took  place  soon  afterwards  ? 

A.  Several  Irish  vessels  united  under  Faile  Finn,  and 
attacked  the  Danish  fleet  under  Sitrick,  in  the  harbor  of 
Dundalk.  After  a  desperate  struggle,  in  which  both  parties 
lost  their  principal  leaders,  the  enemy  was  dispersed  with 
great  loss. 

Q.  Who,  above  all  others,  was  the  hero  of  this  age  ? 

A.  Murkertach,  the  roydamna,  or  heir  apparent  of  the 
throne,  who  is  styled  the  *'  Hector  of  the  West "  by  the 
annalists,  on  account  of  his  valor. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  his  exploits. 

A.  In  the  year  926  he  slew  eight  hundred  Danes,  and 
afterwards,  by  other  victories,  kept  them  in  check  for  a 
time.  In  936  he  stormed  Dublin,  expelled  its  garrison, 
and  levelled  its  walls.  In  940  he  attacked  the  Northmen 
in  their  strongholds  in  the  Hebrides,  and  returned  to  Ire- 
land loaded  with  spoils.  Then  after  making  a  progress 
through  the  island  and  receiving  hostages,  he  hastened  to 
Ardee  to  oppose  a  new  force  of  Danes  under  Earl  Blacair, 
and  there  fell  in  battle,  March  4,  943. 

Q.  How  was  his  death  avenged  ? 

A.  In  the  year  944  Congall  III.  succeeded  Donncad 
II.  as  monarch,  and,  three  years  later,  he  avenged  Mur- 
kertach by  slaying  the  victor  of  Ardee  and  one  thousand 
of  his  followers. 

Q.  For  what  is  Congall's  reign  noted  ? 

A.  It  is  noted  for  the  conversion  of  many  Danes  to 
Christianity,  and  for  the  breaking  up  of  the  clans  into 
families  which  adopted  separate  names  in  order  that  they 
might  be  more  easily  distinguished. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Congall  III.  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  109 

A.  Domnall  IV.  who  was  hailed  Ardrigh  in  the  year 
955.  He  was  the  first  to  employ  armed  boats  on  the 
inland  lakes,  and  by  this  means  he  did  good  service 
against  the  common  enemy. 

Q.  What  princes  reigned  in  Munster  ? 

A.  Kellachan,  the  hero  of  bardic  tales,  a.d.  942-960 ; 
Mahon,  the  victor  in  many  battles,  a.d.  960-976,,  and 
Brian,  who  was  destined  for  more  general  fame,  a.d.  976. 

Q.  What  ambition  swayed  these  rulers  ? 

A.  They  all  adopted  the  one  policy  and  had  the  same 
end  in  view — to  grasp  the  sovereignty  of  the  whole  island 
and  fix  it  in  their  own  Southern  dominions. 

Q.  What  battle  was  fought  in  the  reign  of  Domnall 
IV.? 

A.  In  his  last  year,  a.d.  979,  the  Danes  of  Dublin  en- 
tered Meath,  but  they  were  met  and  defeated  at  Tara,  by 
Malachy,  king  of  that  province,  who  slew  five  thousand 
of  them,  and  thereby  gained  such  renown  that  he  was 
chosen  Ardrigh. 

Q.  Name  a  few  of  the  literary  men  of  this  era.         . 

A.  Cormacan  Eigeas,  poet  of  Ulster,  a.d.  948  ;  Probus, 
biographer  of  St.  Patrick,  a.d.  948  ;  and  Keneth  O'Hart- 
igan,  poet,  a.d.  975. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Malachy  II.  and  Brian  Boru,  A.D.  980  to  1022. 

^OW  did  Malachy  II.  begin  his  reign  ? 

A.  Immediately  on  his  accession  he  cap- 
tured Dublin,  and  liberated  two  thousand 
persons  held  in  bondage  there  by  the  Danes ; 
but  this  stroke  did  not  intimidate  the  invaders,  and  in  a 
few  years  he  was  again  obliged  to  attack  them  in  their 
stronghold,  a.d  994.  An  exploit  performed  on  the  latter 
occasion  is  the  subject  of  the  stanza, 

'* 
Let  Erin  remember  the  days  of  old, 
Ere  her  faithless  sons  betrayed  her  ; 
^  When  Malachy  wore  the  collar  of  gold, 

Which  he  won  from  the  proud  invader. — MoORE. 

Q.  What  provincial  ruler  held  sway  in  the  South  ? 

A.  Brian  Boru,  King  of  Munster,  a.d.  976  to  looi. 

Q.  Give  a  sketch  of  this  prince. 

A.  Brian  was  born  in  the  year  941,  and  at  the  death  of 
his  brother  Mahon  in  976,  he  succeeded  to  his  crown.  But 
this  did  not  satisfy  him.  His  passion  was  for  war,  and 
such  was  his  ability,  that  in  ten  years,  despite  the  opposi- 
tion of  Malachy,  he  extended  his  authority  over  half  the 
island. 

Q.  How  did  he  assist  the  monarch  against  the  Danes  ? 

A.  Seeing  the  growing  power  of  the  invaders,  Malachy 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  Hi 

induced  his  rival  to  conclude  an  alliance  for  three  years. 
Both  accordingly  united  their  forces,  and  compelled  the 
Banes  of  Dublin  to  give  them  hostages  and  jewels.  In 
the  following  year,  at  Glen-Mama,  in  Wicklow,  they  won 
a  substantial  victory,  and  slew  six  thousand  of  their  ene- 
mies. 

Q.  What  served  to  arouse  the  ambition  of  Brian  ? 

A.  The  foreign  garrison  of  Dublin  refused  to  pay  trib- 
ute to  the  lawful  monarch,  and  then  intimated  that,  if 
Brian  were  willing,  they  would  give  hostages  to  him,  and 
submit  to  his  authority. 

Q.  What  step  did  Brian  take  ? 

A.  He  immediately  joined  the  Danes  a!gainst  Malachy, 
and  soon  after,  at  a  conference  held  at  Athlone,  a.d.  iooo, 
he  gave  that  monarch  the  alternative  of  battle  or  of  abdi-^ 
eating  within  a  year. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  ? 

A.  Malachy  was  unsupported  by  his  subjects,  and  at  the 
expiration  of  a  year,  he  met  his  rival  at  Tara,  and  quietly 
acknowledged  him  as  Ardrigh. 

Q.  How  did  Brian  establish  his  authority  ? 

A.  He  caused  his  authority  to  be  respected  throughout 
the  island  by  making  frequent  circuits  or  visitations  of  the 
provinces  during  the  first  seven  years  of  his  reign. 

Q.  What  custom  did  he  establish  ? 

A.  He  enacted  a  law  concerning  surnames,  which  he 
brought  into  general  use,  by  obliging  the  clans  to^  take  the 
name  of  softie  ancestor,  with  the  prefix  "  Mac  "  or  "  O," 
which  signify  respectively  son  and  grandson. 

Q-  What  improvements  w^ere  carried  out  ? 

A.  Roads  and  bridges  were  repaired ;  fortresses  and 
towers  were  erected ;  and  schools,  churches,  and  monas- 
teries were  rebuilt. 


112  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Brian's  court  ? 

A.  He  held  court  at  Kincora,  in  his  native  province, 
and  there  he  was  surrounded  and  flattered  by  poets  an(i, 
])rinces,  and  by  the  learned  and  the  great,  who  flocked 
from  all  sides  to  enjoy  his  generous  hospitality.  All 
things  promised  well  for  the  future,  and  festivities  were 
the  order  of  the  day,  till  a  taunt  offered  over  a  game  of 
chess  to  Maelmurra,  Prince  of  Leinster,  changed  the  scene 
to  one  of  warlike  preparation. 

Q.  What  league  was  now  formed  ? 

A.  Maelmurra  opened  negotiations  with  the  Danes,  and 
sending  his  agents  to  England,  Denmark,  and  the  Isle  of 
Man;  to  the  Orkneys,  the  Hebrides,  and  the  coast  of 
Scotland,  a  grand  league  was  organized  for  the  invasion 
and  conquest  of  Ireland. 

Q.  How  did  Brian  act  in  this  emergency  ? 

A.  He  set  to  work  with  his  usual  energy,  and  being 
nobly  seconded  by  Malachy,  the  ex-monarch,  and  by 
nearly  all  the  other  native  princes,  he  was  soon  ready  to 
meet  the  invaders  with  twenty  thousand  men. 

Q.  Describe  the  battle  that  followed?. 

A.  The  forces  of  the  enemy  numbered  twenty-one 
thousand,  including  fourteen  hundred  in  chain  armor,  and 
were  under  such  brave  warriors  as  Anrud,  Brodar,  Sigurd, 
and  Canuteson ;  the  Irish  hosts  were  led  by  Murrogh,  Ma- 
lachy, and  the  princes  of  Munster,  Meath,  and  Connaught. 
The  conflict  took  place  at  Clontarf  near  Dublin,  about 
dawn  on  Good  Friday,  April  23d,  a.d.  1014  ;  and  a  most 
sanguinary  one  it  proved  to  be.  Nearly  all  the  leaders 
on  both  sides  were  slain.  At  length,  at  eventide,  the 
Danes  were  routed,  and  thirteen  thousand  of  their  num- 
ber were  left  upon  the  field.  The  victors  lost  seven  thou- 
sand, but  they  would  have  good  reason  to  rejoice  at  the 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  IIJ 

lesult,  were  it  not  for  the  death  of  th?  aged  Brian,  who 
was  slain  by  a  fugitive  Dane  while  kneeling  at  prayer  in 
-his  tent. 

Q.  What  was  the  effect  of  the  battle  ? 

A.  It  crushed  the  power  of  the  Danes,  destroyed  their 
hope  of  conquest,  and  gave  prestige  to  the  arms  of  Ireland 
throughout  Europe. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Brian  ? 

A.  After  the  death  of  Brian  at  Clontarf,  Malachy  II, 
reascended  the  throne,  and  during  eight  years  rivalled  his 
early  fame  by  his  success  in  rooting  out  the  last  remnants 
of  the  Danes.  One  month  before  his  decease  he  gave  them 
a  severe  blow  at  Athboy,  a.d.  1022. 

Q.  What  noted  men  flourished  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Eocha,  rhyming  chronicler,  aJd.  984  ;  St.  Donncad 
Abbot  of  Clonmacnoise,  a.d.  988 ;  SL  Fingen,  Abbot  at 
Metz,  on  the  continent,  a.d.  991 ;  St.  Hugh,  Lector  of 
Armagh,  a.d.  1004 ;  St.  Cohnan,  Patron  of  Austria,  mar- 
tyr, A.D.  1012  ;  and  Mac  Laig,  chief  poet  and  physician 
of  Brian  Boru,  a, d.  10 15.  "^ 


CHAPTER   VI. 

From  Donncad  III.,  A.D.   1022,  to  Murthogh  IL,  A.D, 

1086. 

OW  did  the  successful  ambition  of  Brian  Boru 
affect  Ireland? 

A.  His  success  in  seizing  the  throne  broke 
the  spell  investing  ancient  usages,  and  made 
the  monarchy  the  prize  of  the  most  successful  in  arms. 
After  him  every  ambitious  prince  had  a  hope  that  one 
day,  if  fortune  favored,  he  too  might  grace  the  chair  of 
state. 

Q.  What  was  the  consequence  ? 

A.  The  land  was  pestered  with  rival  candidates  for 
national  supremacy,  and  the  consequence  was  civil  war. 
As  no  one  of  these  claimants  held  undisputed  sway,  all  of 
them  might  justly  be  excluded  from  the  list  of  monarchs. 

Q.  How  are  such  princes  designated  by  the  annalists  ? 

A.  The  annalists  style  them  very  properly  Ardrighs 
"  with  opposition." 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  of  these  ? 

A.  Donncad  IH.,  son  of  Brian  Boru,  a.d.  1022-1063. 

Q.  What  events  took  place  at  this  time  ? 

A.  In  his  reign  Christ  Church  was  erected  in  Dublin, 
by  Sitrick,  chief  of  the  Danes,  a.d.  1038,  and  an  impor- 
tant synod  was  held,  to  take  measures  for  the  protection  of 
life  and  property. 

Q.  What  was  the  condition  of  religion  ? 


■.-js---.'. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  IIS 

A.  Many  abuses  existed,  as  was  natural,  after  two  hun- 
dred years  of  warfare  against  the  Danes.  Laymen  held 
benefices,  simony  prevailed,  and  the  morals  of  both 
clergy  and  people  were  much  relaxed.  In  fact  religion 
was  almost  in  as  bad  a  state  as  it  was  on  the  continent. 

Q.  Did  this  state  of  things  continue  ? 

A.  No  ;  a  decided  improvement  took  place  immedi- 
ately after  the  close  of  the  war. 

Q.  How  is  this  revival  proved  ? 

A.  It  is  shown  by  the  many  fine  religious  edifices  which 
were  now  erected.  Thus,  the  great  church  at  Killala  was 
built  in  1060  ;  St.  Patrick's,  Dublin,  in  1070  ;  Holy  Cross 
Abbey,  in  1080 ;  and  the  Cathedrals  of  Cork,  Limerick, 
and  Waterford  about  the  same  time. 

Q.  What  species  of  punishment  had  now  come  in  use  ? 

A.  Criminals,  and  sometimes  even  aspiring  princes, 
were  punished  by  the  loss  of  sight,  and  in  this  way  hinder- 
ed from  doing  much  harm. 

Q.  What  was  the  end  of  Donncad  III.  ? 

A.  After  a  supremacy  of  forty  years  he  was  defeated 
in  battle,  a.d.  1063.  He  then  went  to  Rome,  where  he 
died  in  the  following  year. 

Q.  Who  was  the  next   Ardrigh   with  opposition  ? 

A.  Dermid  III.,  who  reigned  in  Leinster,  a.d.  1063- 
1072. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  this  prince  ? 

A.  Little  is  recorded  of  him,  except  that  he  was  a  wise 
and  valiant  ruler,  and  that  he  died  in  battle  while  defending 
his  title  against  the  men  of  Meath,  under  Connor,  son  of 
Malachy  II. 

Q.  What  fate  did  England  now  experience  ? 

A.  England  was  invaded  by  the  Normans,  and  was  en- 
tirely subdued  by  them  in  a  single  battle  fought  at  Has- 


Il6  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

tings  under  William,  surnamed  the  Conqueror,  a.d.  1066 
This  was  the  fourth  time  that  Britain  fell  an  easy  prey 
to  foreign  invaders. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Dermid  J 1 1.  ? 

A.  Dermid  was  succeeded  in  his  disputed  sovereignty 
by  Thurlogh  I.,  King  of  Munster,  who  ruled  at  Cashel, 
A.D.  1072-1086. 

Q.  What  were  the  events  of  his  reign  ? 

A.  The  descendants  of  the  Danes  did  homage  to  the 
new  monarch,  in  1073,  ^"^  henceforth,  followed  the  lead 
of  the  native  princes.  In  the  year  1075,  Thurlogh  re- 
ceived a  check  at  Ardee,  from  Domnall,  Prince  of  Aileach 
in  Ulster  ;  but,  four  years  later,  he  was  more  successful 
against  Roderick,  King  of  Connaught.  He  died  a.d. 
1086,  one  year  after  Pope  St.  Gregory  VII.,  who  had  ad- 
dressed him  in  a  letter  as  "  the  Illustrious  King  of  Ireland." 

Q,  Name  some  of  the  writers  of  this  time. 

A.  Cuan,  chief  poet,  a.d.  1024,  Corcran,  anchorite  and 
civil  administrator,  1040  ;  Flann  of  Monasterboice,  chron- 
icler, 1056,  and  Gilla  Keevin,  metrical  annalist. 

Q.  What  noted  men  flourished  on  the  continent  ? 

A.  Helias,  who  introduced  the  Gregorian  chant  into 
France,  a.d.  1022,  and  died  Abbot  of  St.  Martins,  at 
Cologne,  in  1042  ;  St.  John,  Bishop  of  Mecklenburg,  and 
Apostle  of  Sclavonia,  1065  ;  and  Marianus  Scotus,  annal- 
ist and  commentator  on  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  1018-1086. 


Wy^~r^-.^        '  -  i"^'  ?KT.'T»^'^  ■       '^'?;:^«"je5F7?5*JWW>*jw^^5a*^5wr7?W'Tr^  TtTT*^^  "^rr?^'-  ^,y  (I'^HcwTi 


CHAPTER  VII. 

i^r<7;w  Murthogh  II.,  A.D.  1086,  /<»  Thurlogh  11,  A.D. 

1 136. 

|0W  long  did  Murthogh  II.  reign  ? 

A.  He  reigned  during  thirty-three  years, 
from  A.D.  1086  to  1 1 19. 

Q.  Where  did  he  hold  his  court  ? 

A.  At  Cashel,  in  Munster. 

Q.  Who  braved  his  authority  ? 

A.  Domnall,  Prince  of  Aileach,  in  Ulster,  a.d.  1082 
to  1121. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  these  two  rulers  ? 

A.  Both  were  remarkable  for  talent  and  ambition,  and 
peace  was  preserved  between  them  only  by  the  most 
strenuous  efforts  on  the  part  of  the  clergy. 

Q.  What  act  of  munificence  is  recorded  of  Murthogh 
11.  ? 

A.  In  the  year  iioi  he  presented  to  the  Church  the 
entire  city  of  Cashel,  with  all  its  revenues. 

Q.  Was  this  gift  well  deserved  ? 

A.  Yes ;  for  although  there  were  yet  some  abuses  un- 
corrected, still,  as  a  class,  the  clergy  were,  exemplary  and 
faithful  to  God  and  their  country. 

Q.  What  was  the  condition  of  the  religious  orders  ? 

A.  Owing  to  a  variety  of  causes,  but  especially  to  the 
extreme  severity  of  their  rule,  the  Columban,  or  native 
monks,  had  dwindled  down  in  numbers,  and  we  are  soon 


■II 8  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  history: 

I 

I 

to  see  them  disappear  forever — absorbed  in  the  new  and 
less  severe  orders  introduced  from  the  continent. 

Q.  When  did  the  Danes  make  their  last  descent  upon 
Ireland  ? 

A.  About  this  time  Magnus,  King  of  Norway,  subdued 
the  Orkneys,  the  Hebrides,  the  Isle  of  Man,  and  parts  of 
Scotland  and  Wales.  He  then  landed  in  Ireland,  which 
he  proceeded  to  ravage  ;  but  he  was  speedily  attacked 
and  slain  with  many  of  his  followers,  a.d.  1103.  This  is 
the  last  scene  in  the  Danish  wars — now  waged  for  three 
hundred  years — and  the  result  must  be  ever  glorious  for 
Ireland,  since,  of  all  Europe,  she  alone  battled  success- 
fully against  the  hordes  of  the  North. 

Q.  Did  the  Danes  disappear  altogether  from  Ireland 
after  their  defeat  ? 

A.  No  J  many  of  their  descendants  settled  in  the  coun- 
try and  quietly  submitted  to  the  native  princes. 

Q.  What  claim  did  they  make  ? 

A.  While  acknowledging  the  authority  of  the  native 
princes,  their  bishops  claimed  to  be  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  See  of  Canterbury,  in  England.  And  this  claim 
being  allowed  by  the  Irish,  may  have  afterwards  served  to 
suggest  the  reduction  of  Ireland  to  the  authority  of  Eng- 
land. 

Q.  What  Welsh  prince  held  friendly  relations  with  his 
Irish  neighbors  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Griffith  ap  Conan,  who  introduced  the  music  and 
instruments  of  Ireland  into  North  Wales  about  the  year 
1 100. 

Q.  What  synods  were  now  held  by  the  Irish  clergy  ? 

A.  At  Usny,  a.d.  iiii,  and  at  Rath-Brazil,  in  11 18, 
the  clergy  held  synods  for  the  correction  of  morals  and 
discipline.     The  former  assembly  was  attended  by  fifty 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  119 

bishops  and  three  hundred  priests  ;  the  latter,  by  twenty- 
seven  bishops  and  numerous  other  ecclesiastics. 

Q.  How  did  Murthogh  and  his  rival  end  their  lives  ? 

A.  Each  of  them  died  in  a  religious  house  while  on  re- 
treat in  actual  preparation  for  their  last  hour. 

Q.  What  troubles  then  arose  ? 

A.  Every  one  of  the  five  provincial  kings  claimed  the 
throne,  and  during  fifteen  years,  a  war  of  succession  was 
carried  on  between  them. 

Q.  Give  some  of  the  events  of  this  epoch. 

A.  In  the  year  1121,  Thurlogh,  King  of  Connaughl, 
celebrated  the  national  games  at  Tailten,  in  assertion  of 
his  claim  to  sovereignty.  Some  years  later  he  obtained  a 
decided  advantage  over  Connor  O'Brien,  of  Munster,  who 
was  his  most  formidable  rival.  This  latter  prince  is  noted 
for  having  made  large  gifts  to  the  abbey  of  St.  Peter,  at 
Ratisbon,  and  to  the  Emperor  Lothaire  in  aid  of  the  Second 
Crusade. 

Q.  What  other  synod  was  convened  at  this  epoch  ? 

A.  That  of  Cashel,  held  at  Cormac's  chapel  in  the  year 
1 1 34,  when  Cormac  McCarthy  was  king  of  Desmond, 
A.D.  1118-1138. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  eminent  men  of  this  era. 

A.  Tigernach,  Abbot  of  Clonmacnoise,  annalist,  1028- 
1 088  ;  Gilbert,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  author  of  a  treatise 
on  the  ritual,  and  of  another  on  the  state  of  the  Church, 
1090;  and  St.  Celsus,  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  a.d.  1130. 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

From  Thurlogh  11.^  A.D.  1136,  to  Roderick  II.,  A.D. 

1 1 66. 

lOW  long  did  Thurlogh  II.  reign  ? 

A.  After  a  struggle  of  fifteen  years,  Thur- 
logh  of  Connaught   at    length   gained   the 
throne,  and   reigned   during    twenty  years, 
from  A.D.  1 136  to  1 1 56. 

Q.  What  was  the  condition  of  the  country  in  his  time  ? 

A.  All  the  land  was  under  the  authority  of  native 
princes,  and  though  the  descendants  of  the  Danes  still 
dwelt  by  themselves  in  the  seaport  towns,  they  were  thor- 
oughly identified  with  the  country,  and  they  contributed 
to  its  prosperity  by  the  commerce  which  they  carried  on. 

Q.  What  distinguished  ecclesiastic  did  much  good  by 
his  labors  ? 

A.  St.  Malachy,  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  a.d.  1148. 

Q.  What  else  is  said  of  him  ? 

A.  He  was  the  bosom  friend  of  the  great  St.  Bernard, 
and  introduced  the  Cistercian  rule  into  Ireland,  a.d.  1139. 

Q.  For  what  is  Thurlogh  II.  noted  ? 

A.  He  was  the  first  monarch  of  Ireland  who  maintained 
a  regular  navy. 

Q.  What  powerful  rival  did  he  subdue  ? 

A.  In  the  year  1151  he  encountered  Thurlogh  of  Mun- 
ster,  successor  of  Connor  O'Brien,  and  defeated  him  at 
Moanmore  with  the  loss  of  seven  thousand  men. 


:"-T^55«!iP'- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  I2I 

Q.  Mention  other  events  of  this  reign. 

A.  In  1 153  Devirgail,  wife  of  O'Ruark,  Prince  of 
Breffni,  eloped  with  Dermid  MacMurrogh,  King  of  Lein- 
ster,  an  act  which  was  to  entail  much  misery  on  Ireland. 
In  the  following  year  the  monarch  won  a  naval  victory 
over  Murthogh  of  Aileach.  About  this  time  also,  numer- 
ous synods  were  held  by  the  clergy. 

Q.  Which  was  the  most  important  of  these  ? 

A.  That  held  at  Kells,  a.d.  1152.  This  assembly,  com- 
posed of  twenty-seven  bishops  and  several  abbots,  was 
presided  over  by  John  Cardinal  Paparo,  Legate  of  the 
Holy  See.  In  it  the  bishops  of  Dublin  and  Tuani  were 
raised  to  the  dignity  of  Metropolitans,  and  received  the 
pallium,  as  did  likewise  the  archbishops  of  Armagh  and 
Cashel. 

Q.  What  was  the  last  and  most  important  occurrence 
in  the  reign  of  Thurlogh  ? 

A.  In  1 154  Henry  II.  succeeded  to  the  English 
throne,  and  in  the  same  year,  Nicholas  Breakspere,  an 
Englishman,  was  elected  Pope,  under  the  title  of  Adrian 
IV.  Seeing  his  opportunity,  Henry  is  said  toliave  asked 
and  obtained  permission  from  the  liew  pontiff  to  invade 
and  conquer  Ireland.  A  bull,  giving  the  requisite  au- 
thority, is  indeed  attributed  to  Adrian,  but  historians  are 
about  equally  divided  as  to  its  authenticity.  If  the  pope 
did  issue  the  document,  he  had  no  right  whatever  to  do 
so,  as  Ireland  never  belonged  to  Rome,  and  such^  an 
action  on  his  part  would  be  wholly  unjust.  Adrian  IV., 
however,  was  a  man  of  piety,  and,  as  long  as  we  are 
wi-thout  positive  proof  of  his  guilt,  it  is  wrong  to  blacken 
his  character  by  attributing  to  him  the  lies  and  the  base 
motives  contained  in  the  bull  in  question.  After  stating 
falsely  '*  that  the  kingdom  of  Ireland,  and  every  island  upon 


122  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

which  Christ  the  Sun  of  Justice  shone,  belong  of  right  to 
St.  Peter  and  the  Holy  Roman  Church,"  the  pretended 
bull  adds,  that  in  consideration  of  "  an  annual  tribute  to  St. 
Peter  of  one  penny  from  each  house  in  Ireland,"  Henry 
might  enter  that  country,  and,  for  his  own  glory  and  the 
honor  of  God,  eradicate  vice,  implant  virtue,  promote 
religion,  and  extend  the  Church. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  the  reformer,  ? 

A.  He  was  like  most  of  the  English  kings,  without 
piety,  honor,  or  common  honesty ;  but  he  excelled  them 
all  in  vice  by  his  superstition,  his  unnatural  lust,  and  his 
fierce  ungovernable  rage  when  in  a  passion.  This  is  the 
man  that  was  to  reform  Ireland — the  murderer  of  St. 
Thomas  a  Becket. 

Q.  Did  Ireland  need  reforming  ? 

A.  By  no  means  ;  Gerald  Barry,  a  contemporary  Nor- 
man historian  bears  this  testimony  :  "  The  clergy  of  that 
country  are  highly  to  be  praised  for  their  religion ;  and 
among  the  other  virtues  with  which  they  are  endowed, 
chastity  forms  a  peculiar  feature.  Those  who  are  intrust- 
ed with  the  divine  service  do  not  leave  the  church,  but 
apply  themselves  wholly  to  the  reciting  of  psalms  and 
prayers  and  to  reading.  They  are  extremely  temperate  in 
food,  and  never  eat  till  towards  evening,  when  their  office 
is  ended." 

Witli  such  masters  and  models  the  great  body  of  the 
faithful  must  have  been  all  that  could  be  desired,  according 
to  the  proverb  :  As  the  priests  are,  so  will  the  people  be.  . 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Thurlogh  II.  on  the  throne  ? 

A.  At  the  death  of  Thurlogh,  Murthogh  of  Aileach 
obtained  the  sceptre,  but  his  arbitrary  acts  aroused  oppo- 
sition from  his  subjects,  and  he  was  attacked  and  slain 
after  a  reign  of  ten  years,  a.d.  ii66. 


.  -  i^^l^rw- 


CATECHJSM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  1 23 

Q.  What  was  the  general  character  of  the  monarchs 
who  held  sway  during  the  eventful  period  marked  by  the 
Danish  wars  ? 

A.  During  this  entire  period  there  Were  only  eighteen 
monarchs,  and  every  one  of  them,  without  exception, 
showed  himself  a  remarkably  able  and  valiant  ruler.  What 
is  surprising  in  such  troublous  times  is  the  fact  that  each 
of  the  eighteen  ruled  on  an  average  during  twenty  years. 
This  is  truly  gratifying,  especially  when  we  bear  in  mind 
that  within  the  same  space  of  time,  there  were  eighteen 
kings  in  peaceful  France,  twenty-three  in  Germany, 
twenty-five  in  England,  and  more  than  seventy  popes  in 
Italy. 


MODERN   HISTORY. 

From    the    Anglo-Norman    Invasion,  a.d.   1169,  to 
THE  Present  Time,  a.d.  1878. 


THE   MODERN   PERIODS. 

1 

jHAT  is  the  duration  of  Modern  Irish  History  ? 

A.  About  seven  hundred  years. 

Q.  How  is  it  divided  ? 

A.  It  is  divided  into  two  periods,  the  first 
embracing  three  hundred  and  sixty-eight  years,  from  the 
Norman  Invasion,  a.d.  1169,  to  the  introduction  of  the 
Protestant  Reformation,  a.d.  1537  ;  the  second  from  the 
Reformation  to  the  present  time — a  space  of  about  three 
hundred  and  fifty  years. 

Q.  What  is  the  character  of  these  periods  ? 
A.  The  first  is  distinguished  for  the  sanguinary  warfare 
waged  by  Catholics  against  Irish  nationality  ;  the  second 
has  equal  celebrity  from  the  religious  phase  which  the 
contest  assumed.  The  one  is  the  era  of  the  Penal  Code  ; 
the  other,  of  the  exterminating  sword  ;  of  the  two,  per- 
haps the  latter  is  the  more  creditable  to  religion,  because 
then,  when  the  invaders  became  heretics,  the  sympathies 
of  the  papal  court  were  on  the  side  of  right  and  justice. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  12$ 

Q.  Who  were  the  first  invaders  of  Ireland  after  the 
Danes  were  driven  out  ? 

A.  TTie  first  invaders  came  from  Wales,  but  these  were 
soon  after  followed  by  a  still  greater  number  from  England. 

Q.  By  what  name  are  they  known  ? 

A.  They  are  styled  Anglo-Normans. 

Q.  Why  are  they  termed  Anglo-Normans  ? 

A.  They  are  called  Normans  because  they  were  de- 
scendants of  the  Northmen  who  settled  in  France  under 
RoUo,  a  Danish  sea-king,  a.d.  912.  After  their  conquest 
of  England  under  William,  surnamed  the  Conqueror,  a.d. 
1066,  the  word  Anglo  was  prefixed  to  their  name,  to  de- 
note their  residence  in  England. 

Q.  How  long  did  they  rule  over  that  country  before 
invading  Ireland  ? 

A.  During  one  hundred  and  three  years. 

Q.  What  fact  is  worthy  of  note  (Concerning  them  ? 

A.  We  must  remember  that  the  Normans  were  not 
Englishmen,  but  the  late  conquerors  of  England.  They 
heartily  despised  that  people — whom  they  had  reduced  to 
serfdom  by  a  single  battle  ;  and  the  greatest  term  of 
reproach  among  them  was  to  be  called  an  Englishman. 
Hence  it  is  not  surprising  that  they  did  not  unite  and 
form  one  people  with  the  poor  despised  Saxons,  till  more 
than  two  hundred  years  had  passed  away. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  the  Anglo-Normans  ? 

A.  They  were  very  brave  and  warlike,  but  equally 
cruel  and  grasping.  However,  if  they  coveted  gain  and 
glory,  they  fought  for  them ;  and  in  this  they  differed  from 
their  English  successors,  who  compassed  their  ends  by 
penal  laws  and  foreign  mercenaries. 

Q.  How  were  they  prepared  for  the  invasion  of  Ire- 
land? 


126  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  They  were  well  prepared  for  that  undertaking. 
Their  natural  genius  was  for  war,  and  in  their  campaigns 
in  France,  Italy,  England,  and  Palestine,  they  had  learned- 
all  the  secrets  of  the  art,  as  then  practised. 

Q.  What  weapons  did  they  use  ? 

A.  Their  ordinary  weapons  were  the  sword,  the  lance, 
the  knife,  and  the  destructive  long-bow.  As  means  of 
defense,  they  carried  shields,  erected  castles,  and  envel- 
oped themselves  in  coats  of  mail.  For  purposes  of  attack 
they  used  scaling  ladders,  battering  rams,  movable  towers, 
and  other  devices. 

Q.  Were  the  Irish  equally  prepared  ? 

A.  No  ;  religion  had  greatly  modified  their  ancient 
warlike  spirit.  Besides,  they  were  divided  among  them- 
selves, and  they  had  no  standing  army,  and  no  experience 
in  war  save  that  acquired  at  home. 

Q.  What  kinds  of  arms  did  they  have  ? 

A.  They  used  the  sword,  the  lance,  the  javelin,  and  the 
battle-axe,  which  last  was  their  principal  weapon.  They 
despised  armor,  and  in  assaults  employed  only  the  scaling 
ladder. 

Q.  What  was  the  policy  of  the  Anglo-Normans  ? 

A.  Their  motto  was  "  Divide  and  conquer,"  and  hence 
their  policy  was  to  foment  strife  among  the  natives,  to  pa- 
cify one  prince  while  they  subdued  another. 

Q.  Was  the  contest  softened  in  the  first  period  by  iden- 
tity of  religion  on  the  part  of  the  combatants  ?  • 

A.  No  ;  but  this  circumstance  seems  rather  to  have  im- 
bittered  the  struggle.  The  Irish  were  indignant  at  the 
policy  of  the  popes,  while  on  the  other  hand  the  invaders 
felt  authorized  to  commit  all  sorts  of  excesses  in  the  hal- 
lowed name  of  religion. 


FIRST  PERIOD. 

IRELAND  AND  THE    ENGLISH    CATHOLIC 

KINGS. 

From  the    Anglo-Norman  Invasion,  "a.d.    1169,   to 
THE  Introduction  of  Protestantism,  a.d.  1537. 


:? 

CHAPTER  I. 

Roderick  II.,  A.D.  1166  to  1186. 

I  HAT  gave  occasion  to  the  Anglo-Norman  in- 
vasion ? 

A.  As  has  been  stated,  Derniid,  King  of 
Leinster,  seduced  the  wife  of  the  Prince  of 
Meath,  and  then,  to  be  revenged  for  the  punishment  which 
his  crime  drew  upon  him,  he  fled  across  the  sea,,  and 
sought  the  assistance  of  Henry  II.,  who  ruled  England 
from  A.D.  1 154  to  1 189. 

Q.  What  resulted  from  his  flight  ? 

A.  The  renegade  met  a  favorable  reception  and  was 
authorized  to  raise  troops  to  reestablish  his  authority  in 
Leinster,  on  condition  ofrecognizing  the  authority  of  Henry. 
By  large  promises,  Dermid  induced  some  impoverished 
Welsh  noblemen  to  join  his  fortunes,  and  then,  after  or- 
ganizing an  expedition,  he  returned  to  Ireland. 
Q.  When  did  the  first  invaders  arrive  ? 


laS  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  On  the  nth  of  May,  1169,  Robert  Fitzstephen 
landed  near  Wexford,  with  thirty  knights,  sixty  men  in 
armor,  and  three  hundred  men  at  arms.  Next  day  he 
was  joined  by  ten  knights  and  sixty  archers  under  Mau- 
rice de  Pendergast. 

Q.  What  was  done  by  the  invader  ? 

A.  Being  joined  by  five  hundred  natives  under  Don- 
ald, son  of  Dermid,  the  combined  force  appeared  be- 
fore Wexford,  which  surrendered  to  them.  Ossory  was 
next  reduced,  and  then  the  progress  of  the  invaders  be- 
gan to  alarm  the  Ardrigh. 

Q.  What  agreement  was  now  drawn  up  ? 

A.  A  treaty  was  signed  at  Ferns  by  which  ^Roderick 
acknowledged  the  sovereignty  of  Dermid  over  Leinster ; 
and  Dermid,  on  his  part,  promised  to  dismiss  his  Anglo- 
Norman  allies. 

Q.  Did  this  treaty  bring  peace  ? 

A.  No ;  for  in  the  same  year,  in  violation  of  his  oath, 
the  traitor  welcomed  to  his  standard  Maurice  Fitzgerald 
with  ten  knights,  thirty  esquires,  and  one  hundred  foot- 
men ;  and,  afterwards,  another  force  of  ten  knights  and 
seventy  archers,  under  Raymond  le  Gros. 

Q.  What  was  next  done  by  them  ? 

A.  Having  intrenched  themselves  near  Waterford, 
they  repulsed  an  undisciplined  multitude  of  its  inhabi- 
tants, and  slew  five  hundred  of  them. 

Q.  How  did  the  victors  mar  their  triumph  ? 

A.  "  In  order  to  strike  terror  into  the  natives "  they 
broke  the  legs  of  seventy,  captive  citizens  of  Waterford, 
and  hurled  their  mutilated  victims  to  death  down  the 
rocks  into  the  sea. 

Q.  What  famous  leader  now  arrived  to  take  command 
of  the  invaders? 


•Vv:- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  X29 

A.  On  the  23d  of  August,  11 70,  Richard  de  Clare, 
Earl  of  Pembroke,  surnamed  Strongbow,  landed  at  Dun- 
donolf  with  two  hundred  knights  and  one  thousand  two 
hundred  infantry,  and  assumed  the  leadership  of  the  in- 
vaders. 

Q.  How  did  he  begin  his  career  ? 

A.  Having  taken  Waterford  by  assault  and  put  to 
death  many  of  its  inhabitants,  he  immediately  esppused 
Eva,  daughter  of  the  recreant  Leinster  king,  in  accordance 
with  a  previous  agreement. 

Q.  What  ambition  did  the  traitor  Dermid  cherish  ? 

A.  He  aspired  to  the  sovereignty  of  the  island. 
Hence,  with  about  ten  thousand  native  troops  and  nearly 
all  his  foreign  allies,  numbering  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred, he  proceeded  to  lay  siege  to  Dublin.  The  citizens 
repelled  two  assaults,  but  though  the  Ardrigh  was  close 
at  hand  with  an  army,  they  were  at  last  obliged  to  surren- 
der ;  but,  while  the  conditions  were  being  drawn  up,  the 
Anglo-Normans  suddenly  broke  into  the  city  and  slew 
many  of  the  inhabitants,  September  2 1,  a.d.  i  i  70. 

Q.  How  did  the  clergy  look  upon  the  invasion  ? 

A.  These  pious  men  regarded  it  as  a  visitation  from 
heaven  on  account  of  the  occasional  traffic  carried  on  in 
slaves,  and,  therefore,  in  a  synod  held  at  Armagh,  in  this 
year,  they  declared  that  all  the  English  slaves  in  the  land 
were  free  to  return  to  their  homes. 

Q.  Did  Dermid  reap  the  fruits  of  his  treason  ? 

A.  No ;  in  less  than  a  year  from  his  success  at  Dublin 
he  died  miserably.  May  4th,  1171.  Most  of  his  followers 
then  took  sides  with  their  countr3rmen  against  their  late 
allies. 

Q.  What  attacks  were  made  on  the  inVaders  ? 

A.  Three  attempts  were  made  to  expel  them  from 
6* 


13©  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Dublin  in  the  course  of  the  year,  but  the  invaders  were 
successful  in  every  case. 

Q.  What  was  the  next  event  of  importance  ? 

A.  The  next  event  was  the  visit  of  Henry  II.  Saihng 
from  Milford  Haven  with  a  fleet  of  four  hundred  vessels 
and  an  army  of  five  hundred  knights  and  four  thousand 
men-at-anns,  he  landed  at  Crook,  near  Waterford,  Octo- 
ber i8th,  A.D.  1 1 71.  In  his  train  were  Hugh  de  Lacy, 
Theobald  Walters,  the  first  of  the  Butlers,  William  Fitzal- 
delm,  ancestor  of  the  Burkes,  and  many  others  of  equal 
fame. 

Q.  How  long  did  Henry  remain  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  The  period  of  his  sojourn  was  seven  months,  till 
April  17th,  1 1 72. 

Q.  Give  a  summary  of  his  transactions  during  this 
time. 

A.  Some  chiefs  did  homage ;  Cork,  Wexford,  Water- 
ford,  and  Limerick  surrendered ;  a  council  was  held  at 
Cashel  to  advance  his  interests ;  Dublin  was  generously 
granted  by  him  to  the  surplus  population  of  Bristol ;  cas- 
tles were  erected  to  protect  the  country  already  in  his 
power ;  and,  finally,  all  Ireland  was  apportioned  by  the 
tyrant  among  ten  of  the  English  nation,  *'  and  though  the 
invaders  had  not  gained  possession  of  one-third  of  the 
kingdom,  yet,  in  title,  they  were  owners  and  lords  of 
all,  so  that  nothing  w^ae  left  to  the  natives. — Davies'  His- 
torical Relations. 

Q.  What  was  done  to  win  over  some  of  the  native 
princes  ? 

A.  Through  motives  of  policy,  protection  was  extended 
to  five  Irish  families,  who  were  styled  in  law,  de  quinque 
sanguinibus,  persons  "of  the  five  bloods."  These  were 
the  MacMurroghs,  of  Leinster;  the   O'Neills,  of  Ulster; 


">' ,  W'llfip'j-" 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  13X 

the  O'Briens,  of  Thomond ;  the  O'Connors,  of  Con- 
naught;  and  the  O'Malachys,  of  Meath.  The  mere  Irish, 
as  the  mass  of  the  people  were  termed,  could  expect  no 
favors  from  a  despot  who  sought  only  their  possessions. 

Q.  What  defeat  did  the  invaders  suffer  ? 

A.  They  entered  Munster  in  11 74,  but  they  were  met 
at  Thurles,  and  seven  hundred  of  them  slain  by  Donald 
O'Brien,  of  Thomond.  This  loss,  however,  was  partly 
remedied  by  the  arrival  of  four  hundred  and  thirty  new 
adventurers  under  Raymond  le  Gros. 

Q.  What  use  was  now  made  of  the  Bull  of  Adrian 
IV.? 

A.  At  a  synod  held  at  Waterford,  a.d.  1175,  the  Bull 
of  Pope  Adrian  was  made  public  for  the  first  time.  The 
influence  of  this  document  must  have  been  great,  as  is 
seen  from  the  fact  that  before  the  close  of  the  year,  Rode- 
rick sent  his  chancellor,  St.  Lawrence,  at  the  head  of  an 
embassy  to  Henry  II.  The  result  was  the  Treaty  of 
Windsor,  in  which  the  Ardrigh  yields  precedence  to  the 
king,  while  retaining  both  the  emblems  and  the  substance 
of  his  former  power. 

Q.  Which  of  the  invaders  was  among  the  first  to  die? 

A.  Strongbow,  who  was  carried  off  by  an  ulcer  in  the 
foot,  A.D.  1 1 76,  after  founding  a  priory  for  the  Knights 
Templars  at  Kilmainham,  near  t)ublin. 

Q.  What  other  leaders  in  the  struggle  were  carried  off 
by  death  ? 

A.  On  the  side  of  the  Irish,  Tiernan  O'Ruark  died  in 
1 1 73,  Donald  Kavenagh,  son  of  MacMurrogh,  in  1175  ; 
whilst  the  invaders  lost  Maurice  Fitzgerald,  the  ancestor 
of  the  Earls  of  Desmond  and  Kildare,  in  1177,  Hervy  de 
Montmorency  in  11 79,  and  Milo  de  Cogan  and  Robert 
Fitzstephen  in  1182. 


132  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  Mention  the  events  of  the  next  few  years. 

A.  Dissensions  sprung  up  among  the  Irish  leaders ; 
John  de  Courcy  led  a  band  of  adventurers  into  Ulster, 
where  they  committed  great  depredations  ;  and  in  a  synod 
at  Dublin,  a.d.  1177,  the  officious  Cardinal  Vivian  ex- 
horted the  natives  to  obey  Henry  II.,  who  had  lately  in- 
sulted him. 

Q.  What  other  occurrences  took  place  ? 

A.  In  1 184  Pope  Lucius  III.  released  Dublin,  already 
an  Anglo-Norman  see,  from  the  authority  of  Armagh,  which 
was  still  Irish.  In  the  following  year,  John,  the  son  of 
Henry  II.,  arrived  at  Waterford  with  the  title  of  Lord  of 
Ireland.  During  eight  months  this  prince  indulged  his 
royal  nature  by  levying  taxes,  insulting  the  native  princes, 
and  disregarding  the  original  invaders,  of  whom  he  was 
jealous. 

Q.  What  was  the  fate  of  Roderick  II.  ? 

A.  In  the  year  n86  he  was  deposed  by  his  sons,  and 
forced  to  retire  to  the  monastery  of  Cong,  where  he  died 
November  9th,  1198. 

Q.  What  saints  flourished  at  this  era  ? 

A.  St.  Gelasius,  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  a.d.  1173; 
Blessed  Cornelius  of  the  same  See,  1 1 76  ;  St.  Lawrence, 
Archbishop  of  Dublin,  1 180. 


^j-:  j»v?^FHysvT(Sr^^;T~.*^v    "-"^^ -v ■■-    ■  ■^*.  7«n«6^ ■  »"r ri  -, ,yH,fi.j| '  w "^ 


CHAPTER    II. 

Domestic  War,  A.D.  1186  /^  1230. 

I  HO  ruled  Ireland  after  Roderick  II.  ? 

A.  After  Roderick,  Ireland  had  no  Ard- 
righ.  The  provincial  kings  carried  on  the 
struggle  against  the  Anglo-Normans,  but,  as 
they  acted  separately  and  were  often  at  variance,  their 
efforts  were  unsuccessful,  and  they  themselves  were 
finally  swept  away  one  by  one. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  remarked  concerning  this  epoch  ? 

A.  The  history  of  this  age  is  but  the  record  of  the 
ambition  and  sway  of  a  few  great  families  who  fought  for 
power  and  plunder,  rather  than  for  the  welfare  of  the 
nation. 

Q.  What  change  took  place  among  the  invaders  ? 

A.  Henry  II.  died  miserably,  a.d.  1189,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Richard  I.,  surnamed  Coeur  de  Lion.  Dissen- 
sions sprang  up  among  the  invaders,  and  this  would  have 
been  their  destruction,  were  it  not  for  the  wars  raging 
among  the  princes  of  Connaught. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  these  wars  ? 

A.  They  were  a  series  of  petty  fratricidal  contests^ 
"for  which,"  says  McGee,  "history  has  no  memory  and  no 
heart."  At  length,  by  his  great  ability,  after  great  waste 
of  life  and  property,  Cathal  Crovderg,  son  of  a  younger 
brother  of  Roderick,  assumed  the  sovereignty  of  Con- 
naught,  A.D.  1200. 


134  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  losses  did  the  invaders  suffer  ? 

A.  In  1 20 1,  seven  hundred  of  them  were  slain  in  Con- 
naught,  and  later  on  three  hundred  more  near  Dublin. 

Q.  Who  were  the  most  noted  among  the  native  princes  ? 

A.  Donald  O'Brien,  the  last  king  of  Limerick,  1194, 
Connor  Moiimioy  of  Connaught,  1189,  and  Cathal  Crov- 
derg,  also  of  Connaught,  a.d.  1224. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  rival  leaders  ? 

A.  Hugh  de  Lacy,  Lord  of  Meath,  1186,  and  John  de 
Courcy,  "  Conqueror  of  Ulidia,"  or  Down,  1205. 

Q.  What  great  armament  now  arrived  in  Ireland? 

A.  In  1 199,  John  succeeded  his  brother  Richard  on 
the  throne  of  England.  In  Ireland  his  authority  was 
hardly  recognized.  Therefore,  in  the  year  12 10  he  col- 
lected seven  hundred  ships,  and  crossed  the  channel  with 
a  large  army.  His  visit  lasted  about  two  months,  from 
the  20th  of  June  until  the  25th  of  August. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  of  this  expedition  ? 

A.  It  accomplished  little  or  nothing.  The  king  did  not 
march  against  his  enemies,  but  he  mapped  out  twelve 
counties,  namely :  Dublin,  Meath,  Louth,  Kildare,  Car- 
low,  Wexford,  and  Kilkenny,  in  the  province  of  Leinster; 
and  Waterford,  Cork,  Kerry,  Limerick,  and  Tipperary,  in 
that  of  Munster.  Then  he  rested  from  his  labors,  and  in 
due  time  returned  to  England. 

Q.  Were  these  counties  entirely  subject  to  the  Anglo- 
Normans  ? 

A.  No  ;  only  the  portion  of  them  that  were  garrisoned. 
The  districts  still  held  by  the  Irish  constituted  at  least  two- 
thirds  of  the  whole  island. 

Q.  Who  held  the  highest  authority  among  the  colon- 
ists ? 

A.  It  was  exercised  by  lords-justices,  or  lords-deputies, 


■  ■Wt^Et  ■ 


W  7-;?Jp.T7I-W»?r»np^  •^ 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  history:  135 

lords-lieutenants,  etc.,  etc.,  who  represented  the  king  of 
England,  and  ruled  in  his  name. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  these  representatives  ? 
A.  With  few  exceptions,  they  were  unprincipled  royal 
favorites,  worthy  of  their  mission,  which  was  to  plunder 
and  oppress  the  natives.     Their  usual  residence  was  Dub- 
lin Castle,  erected  a.d,  1205. 

Q.  When  were  English  laws  introduced  ? 
A.   In   the   first  year  of  Henry  III.,  who   succeeded 
John,  A.D.  12 16,  the  Magna  Charta,  or  Great  Charter  of 
Liberties,  was  introduced  among  the  Anglo-Norman  set- 
tlers. 

Q.  Wh.at  was  this  charter  ? 

A.  It  was  an  act  extorted  from  King  John  by  the  barons 
of  England  at  Runnyniede,  June  15th,  1215.  It  is  called 
"  the  keyston^  of  liberty,"  because  it  is  said  to  protect 
every  freeman  from  the  loss  of  life,  liberty,  or  property, 
except  by  the  judgment  of  his  peers,  or  the  law  of  the 
land.  It  also  declared  that  right  or  justice  should  not  be 
sold,  denied,  or  delayed  to  any  man.  In  Ireland,  how- 
ever, it  was  a  dead  letter  as  far  as  the  natives  were  con- 
cerned ;  for  these  were  considered  without  the  pale  of  the 
law. 

Q.  What  was  the  condition  of  religion  at  this  time  ? 
A.  Religion  seems  to  have  made  some  progi'ess  outward- 
ly, in  the  foundation  of  religious  houses,  but  its  spirit  and 
principles  seem  to  have  been  forgotten  amid  the  strife  that 
filled  the  land. 

Q.  What  religious  orders  were  introduced  into  the 
country  ? 

A.  In  the  year  1224  the  Dominicans  established  their 
first  foundation  at  Dublin,  under  the  patronage  of  the 
Anglo-Normans.     The  Franciscans,  on  the  other  hand, 


136  CATECHISM'JOF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

were  in  favor  with  the  natives,  and  founded  their  first 
home  at  Cork,  through  the  liberaUty  of  Florence  Mc 
Carthy,  a.d.  1229.  "• 

Q.  What  change  took  place  in  the  religious  houses, 
founded  by  the  Irish,  in  Europe  ? 

A.  Owing  partly  to  jealousy,  and  partly  to  a  want  of 
subjects,  the  Irish  monasteries  in  England  and  France 
passed  gradually  into  the  hands  of  natives  of  those  coun- 
tries. Those  in  Germany  fell  under  the  control  of  the 
Scotch,  who  now  flocked  to  that  country  and  claimed  to 
be  the  original  Scoti  referred  to  in  the  monastic  grants. 

Q.  Did  any  Irish  monks  still  remain  on  the  continent  ? 

A.  Yes ;  a  few  of  them  still  survived,  among  whom 
was  St.  Marron,  who  suffered  martyrdom  in  Flanders, 
A.D.  1202.  f. 


^.I'ffflii^jrr'" 


CHAPTER  III. 

Feilim  O  Connor  and  his  Contemporaries,  A.D.  1230  to 

1274. 

I  HAT  was  the  character  of  this  era  ? 

A.  It  was  one  of  ceaseless  war.  The 
Anglo-Normans  were  at  open  strife  among 
themselves,  and,  while  some  of  the  native 
princes  imitated  their  example,  others  seized  the  opportu- 
nity to  vindicate  their  rights,  to  battle  against  the  common 
enemy. 

Q.  Is  this  age  otherwise  remarkable  ? 

A.  Yes ;  it  is  also  noted  for  the  immense  number  of 
religious  houses  founded  everywhere  throughout  the 
country.  On  this  subject  it  is  curious  to  contrast  the 
zeal  of  the  invaders  in  destroying  native  monasteries,  and 
the  pious  munificence  with  which  they  used  the  spoils  to 
found  others  for  the  good  monks  of  their  own  race. 

Q.  Who  was  Feilim  O'Connor? 

A.  Feilim  was  the  son  of  Cathal  Crovderg,  and  reigned 
as  king  of  Connaught,  a.d.  1230  to  1265. 

Q.  How  did  he  begin  his  career  ? 

A.  In  the  early  part  of  his  reign  he  was  made  prisoner 
by  his  enemies,  but  he  soon  regained  his  liberty,  and  at 
once  took  the  field  against  them.  In  1233  he  defeated 
an  aspirant  to  his  throne,  and  demolished  several  Anglo- 
Norman  castles. 


138  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  fflSTORY. 

Q.  What  experience  did  he  reap  from  his  enemies  ? 

A.  In  1235  he  learned  by  experience  that  the  most 
dauntless  valor  was  not  a  match  for  the  wiles  of  an  insa- 
tiable enemy.  Next  year  he  received  the  same  lesson, 
and  barely  saved  himself  by  flight,  from  the  lord-justice 
and  Richard  de  Burgh. 

Q.  Did  Feilim  recover  his  patrimony  ? 

A.  Yes;  he  reentered  his  kingdom  and  defeated  the 
lord-justice  in  the  following  year ;  but,  the  victory  was 
fruitless,  for,  in  1238,  several  Anglo-Norman  barons 
entered  Connaught,  sword  in  hand,  and  took  possession 
of  a  large  portion  of  his  dominions.  Then  to  secure 
their  plunder  they  erected  castles  at  various  points. 

Q.  How  did  Feilim  get  rid  of  the  intruders  ? 

A.  Knowing  that  it  would  be  difficult  to  expel  them  by 
force,  he  had  recourse  to  policy,  and  went  to  England  to 
lay  his  case  before  Henry  III.  Strange  to  say,  his  mis- 
sion was  successful,  and  his  enemies  were  forced  to  quit 
his  territory  and  leave  him  in  peace. 

Q.  How  did  Feilim  requite  this  kindness  of  the  king  ? 

A.  He  assisted  Henry  in  a  war  against  Wales,  and 
thus  he  was  enabled  to  take  parital  vengeance  on  that 
country  for  the  part  it  had  taken  in  the  invasion  of  Ire- 
land, A.D.  1245. 

Q.  What  princes  were  contemporary  with  Feilim  ? 

A.  Brian  O'Neill,  Lord  of  Tyrone,  and  Godfrey  O'Don- 
nell,  Lord  of  Tyrconnell. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  them  ? 

A.  In  1252  O'Neill  submitted  to  Maurice  Fitzgerald, 
the  lord  justice ;  but  Godfrey,  on  the  contrary,  attacked 
and  defeated  that  nobleman  with  great  loss  at  Credran. 
Both  leaders  were  mortally  wounded  in  the  battle,  and 
died  within  a  few  months. 


'I'^^^giPf-' 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  139 

Q.  What  incidenfshows  the  usual  policy  of  the  native 
princes  ? 

A.  Hearing  that  O'Donnell  was  wounded  unto  death, 
O'Neill  sent  to  him  for  hostages,  as  a  token  of  submission  ; 
but  the  answer  of  the  dying  chieftain  was  an  order  for  a 
general  muster  of  his  forces. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  ? 

A.  O'Donnell  caused  himself  to  be  placed  in  a  litter 
and  carried  at  the  head  of  his  army.  In  this  condition  he 
was  borne  to  battle,  and  thus,  while  encouraging  his  sol- 
diers, he  expired  in  the  very  hour  of  victory,  on  the 
banks  of  Lough  Swilly,  a.d.  1258. 

Q.  How  did  O'Neill  atone  for  his  conduct  ? 

A.  Having  been  elected  Monarch  of  Ireland  by  native 
princes  assembled  at  Beleek,  a.d.  1259,  he  died  like  a 
true  king  while  defending  his  title  in  battle  against  the 
lord-justice  Stephen  de  Longespay,  a.d.  1260. 

Q.  What  losses  did  the  Anglo-Normans  suffer  in  Mun- 
ster? 

A.  In  less  than  a  year  after  the  death  of  O'Neill,  the 
Geraldines,  or  retainers  of  the  Fitzgeralds,  were  defeated 
at  Kilbarran  in  Thomond  by  Connor  O'Brien,  and  again 
at  Ca.llan-Glen  with  great  loss  by  Florence  McCarthy, 
Prince  of  Carbery. 

Q.  What  defeat  did  they  suffer  in  Meath  ? 

A.  In  Meath  the  invaders  received  a  severe  check 
from  Art,  the  lord  of  that  province,  a.d.  1264.  This 
prince  likewise  repulsed  Walter  de  Burgh  at  Shannon 
harbor  in  1268,  and  still  later,  he  acquired  fame  as  the 
destroyer  of  not  less  than  twenty-seven  Anglo-Norman 
castles. 

Q.  What  other  events  may  be  noted  ? 

A.  In  1272  Henry  III.  of  England  was  succeeded  by 


I40  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

Edward  I.,  and  in  the  following  yeafthe  colonists  in  Ire- 
land petitioned  that  king  for  English  law.  About  this 
time,  according  to  Galleli,  the  Italians  first  began  to  use 
the  Irish  harp,  which  had  been  introduced  among  them 
in  1073. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  literary  men  of  this  time. 

A.  Peter  Hibernicus,  professor  in  the  University  of 
Naples,  and  master  of  St.  Thomas  of  Aquin,  1 240 ; 
John,  surnamed  De  Sacro  Boscho,  mathematician  in  the 
schools  of  Paris,  1256  ;  and  Thomas  Palmerian  of  Naas, 
professor  in  the  University  of  Paris,  and  author  of  several 
ascetic  works. 


^ 


>"*  fbf.  ■  *^j^wt^'^ii!.yi-«w^  v'i"  ■"^'■^'•'T^y^^  '^"^^'wmR^fi^ltVV 


CHAPTER  IV. 

77ig  Era  of  Richard  de  Burgh,  "  the  Red  Earl,"  A.D. 

i274/<7i3i5. 

I  HAT  was  the  state  of  Ireland  at  the  beginning 
of  this  epoch  ? 

A,  One  hundred  years  had  now  elapsed 
since  the  invasion  of  the  Anglo-Normans,  and 
Ireland  was  still  unconquered.  Only  about  one-third  of 
the  country  was  in  the  hands  of  the  invaders,  whereas,  all 
the  rest  remained  subject  to  the  native  princes  and  laws. 

Q,  Did  any  of  the  Irish  submit  to  English  laws  ? 

A.  In  the  year  1280  some  of  the  natives  near  the 
Anglo-Norman  settlements  petitioned  for  English  law ; 
and  they  even  oflfered  eight  thousand  marks  for  the  favor, 
because,  being  outside  the  law,  they  were  plundered  at 
will  by  every  English  adventurer.  Their  petition  was  not 
granted. 

Q.  Who  was  the  most  potent  lord  in  Ireland  at  this 
time? 

A.  Richard  de  Burgh,  "  the  Red  Earl "  of  Ulster. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  his  power  ? 

A.  In  Ulster  and  Connaught  he  was  all  but  supreme. 
His  home  at  Trim  was  a  veritable  court  enlivened  by 
sumptuous  entertainments.  He  imposed  taxes,  levied 
men,  conferred  knighthood,  and  exercised  nearly  all  the 
prerogatives  of  royalty.     He  was  also  commander-io- 


14a  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

chief  of  the  army,  and  the  writs  of  the  English  king  were 
addressed  to  him  and  not  to  the  lord-justice. 

Q.  Give  the  result  of  the  first  twenty  years  of  his 
career  ?  } 

A.  By  the  year  1291  he  had  humbled  the  house  of 
O'Connor  in  Connaught,  and  crushed  O'Neill  and  O'Don- 
nell  in  Ulster ;  but  in  1294  he  was  made  prisoner  by  the 
Fitzgeralds,  whose  possessions  in  Meath  he  had  invaded. 
In  the  following  year,'  however,  he  was  set  at  liberty  by 
order  of  an  Anglo-Norman  parliament,  and  he  became 
more  powerful  than  ever. 

Q.  -For  what  is  this  parliament  noted? 

A.  It  is  noted  as  the  first  assembly  of  the  kind  held  in 
Ireland  by  the  Anglo-Normans.  The  place  of  meeting 
was  Kilkenny,  and,  among  the  regulations,  provision  was 
made  for  a  body  of  militia  to  defend  the  colony. 

Q.  What  events  occupied  the  Red  Earl  for  the  next 
few  years  ? 

A.  In  1296  he  joined  Edward  I.  of  England  in  a  suc- 
cessful expedition  against  Scotland  ;  and,  three  years 
later,  he  accompanied  the  same  king,  when,  at  the  head 
of  eight  thousand  horse  and  eighty  thousand  infantry, 
chiefly  Irish  and  Welsh,  he  defeated  William  Wallace  at 
Falkirk.  Four  years  after  this  event,  de  Burgh  was  again 
an  ally  of  King  Edward,  against  the  same  enemy. 

Q.  Was  Ireland  neglected  by  the  Anglo-Normans  dur- 
ing the  Scotch  wars  ? 

A.  It  appears  not.  On  Trinity  Sunday,  1305,  about 
thirty  native  chiefs  were  massacred  at  a  banquet  to  which 
they  had  been  invited  in  Kildare  by  Piers  Bermingham, 
an  Anglo-Norman  lord.  Hence,  very  naturally,  the 
sympathies  of  the  Irish  were  with  the  Scotch  in  their 
struggle  against  Edward  L,  and  as  many  as  seven  hun- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  143 

dred  of  them  went  in  a  body  to  the  assistance  of  Robert 
Bruce,  and  lost  their  lives  in  his  cause,  a.d.  1306. 

Q.  What  fate  befell  the  Knights  Templars  ? 

A.  The  Knights  Templars  was  a  religious  military  order 
instituted  at  Jerusalem  in  11 18,  to  defend  the  Holy 
Places.  It  was  introduced  into  Ireland  by  Sfrongbow, 
and,  from  the  first,  was  ever  ready  to  assist  in  the  work 
of  murder  and  spoliation.  In  1308,  the  second  year  of 
Edward  \l.,  it  was  discovered  that  the  order  had  become 
grossly  corrupt  throughout  Europe,  and  it  was  publicly 
charged  with  impiety,  intemperance,  profligacy,  and 
apostasy.  Pope  Clement  V.  abolished  it  in  13 12,  and 
its  priory  castle  of  Kilmainham  and  other  benefices 
passed  to  the  order  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem. 

Q.  Were  the  Templars  alone  in  their  wickedness  ? 

A.  They  were  not.  The  Norman  leaders  and  law- 
makers were  equally  guilty,  as  appears  from  the  records 
of  the  time.  Thus,  Sir  John  Davies,  Attorney  General 
to  James  I.,  bears  witness  that  in  the  fourth  year  of 
Edward  II,  "  the  mere  Irish  were  not  only  accounted 
aliens,  but  enemies,  and  altogether  out  of  the  protection 
of  the  law ;  so  that  it  was  no  capital  offense  to  kill  them  ; 
which  was  frequently  done  without  cause,  and  this  is 
manifest  by  many  records,"  which  he  cites. — Hist.  Tracts^ 
J>.  82. 

Q.  What  part  did  the  Irish  take  in  securing  the  inde- 
pendence of  Scotland  ? 

A.  In  13 14  Edward  II.  invaded  Scotland  with  seventy 
thousand  men ;  and  many  Anglo-Norman  lords  from  Ire- 
land accompanied  him.  The  native  Irish,  on  the  contrary, 
favored  the  cause  of  Robert  Bruce,  who  could  muster  but 
tfiirty  thousand,  including  a  body  of  Irish  archers  sent  to 
him  by  Donald  O'Neill,  King  of  Ulster.     The  two  armies 


144  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

met  at  Bannockburn,  and,  afler  a  short  struggle,  the 
invading  host  was  driven  from  the  field  with  great  loss. 
Concerning  this  battle  Chaucer  says  curtly : 

"  To  Albion  Scots  we  ne'er  would  yield. 
The  Irish  bowmen  won  the  field." 

Q.  What  became  of  the  Earl  of  Ulster  ? 

A.  The  eail  saw  his  power  gradually  undermined  by 
the  lord-justice,  and,  though  he  lived  to  take  part  in  the 
war  against  Edward  Bruce,  his  rank  was  rather  subordi- 
nate.    His  death  occurred  in  the  year  1326. 

Q.  What  other  noted  men  lived  at  this  era  ? 

A.  Nicholas  McMelissa,  the  patriot-primate  of  Armagh, 
A.D.  1303;  John  Duns  Scotus,  a  ^Franciscan  monk  who 
taught  with  applause  at  Paris  and  Cologne,  and  who  is 
styled  the  "  subtle  doctor,"  on  account  of  the  acuteness  of 
his  intellect,  a.d.  1308 ;  and  Malachy  of  Ireland,  also  a 
Franciscan,  who  was  professor  at  Oxford,  and  chaplain  to 
Edward  II. 


S'-'JUB?'- 


CHAPTER  V. 

From  King  Edward  Bruce,  A.D.  1315, /t;  Art  McMur' 
rogh,  A.D.  1367. 

HAT  influence  did  the  battle  of  Bannockbum 
have  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  It  created  a  spirit  of  union  among  the 
native  princes.  Hence,  Donald  O'Neill  of 
Ulster  immediately  organized  a  confederacy  of  native 
chiefs,  and  invited  Edward  Bruce,  brother  of  the  hero  of 
Bannockbum,  to  undertake  the  deliverance  of  the  coun- 

try. 

Q.  Did  Bruce  accept  the  invitation  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  on  the  25th  May,  a.d.  13 15,  he  landed  near 
Glenarm  in  Antrim,  with  six  thousand  men,  and  was  at 
once  joined  by  O'Neill  and  the  allied  chiefs. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  of  his  first  campaign  in  Ire- 
land? 

A.  His  first  campaign  was  remarkably  successful. 
Dundalk,  Ardee,  and  other  towns  were  taken ;  the 
famous  Red  Earl  was  defeated  at  Castle  Connor,  and, 
except  Carrickfergus,  all  Ulster  fell  into  his  hands. 

Q.  What  assembly  was  held  by  the  Irish  ? 

A.  A  large  assembly  of  native  chiefs  was  convened  at 
Dundalk,  and  Bruce  was  elected  King  of  Ireland,  and 
crowned  amid  great  pomp  and  rejoicings. 

Q.  Did  this  step  alarm  his  enemies  ? 

A.  Yes ;  the  king  of  England  appealed  to  the  Pope, 
7 


146  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

and  extraordinary  exertions  were  made  to  meet  the  crisis. 
Kichard  Berniingham  and  de  Burgh  levied  a  large  army, 
and  at  Athenry,  on  the  loth  of  August,  they  fell  upon  an 
Irish  division  and  slew  eight  thousand  of  them,  together 
with  their  leader,  P^eilim  O'Connor,  King  of  Connaught, 
in  the  twenty-third  year  of  his  age. 

Q.  What  was  done  by  Donald  O'Neill  ? 
A.  This  talented  and  patriotic  prince  addressed  an 
able  letter  to  Pope  John  XXII.  After  speaking  of  the 
early  history  of  Ireland  and  the  invasion  of  Henry  II.  he 
described  the  sad  condition  of  his  country,  and  the  cruel 
rapacity  of  the  Anglo-Norman  invaders.  "  They  obliged 
us,"  says  he,  "to  give  up  to  them  our  houses  and  lands, 
and  to  seek  shelter  like  wild  beasts  upon  the  mountains, 
in  woods,  marshes,  and  caves.  Even  there  we  are  not 
secure  against  their  fury  ;  they  even  envy  us  those  dreary 
and  terrible  abodes  ;  they  are  incessant  and  unremitting 
in  their  pursuit  after  us,  endeavoring  to  chase  us  from 
among  them  ;  with  unwarranted  audacity  and  injustice 
they  lay  claim  to  every  place  in  which  they  can  discover 
us  ;  they  allege  that  the  whole  kingdom  belongs  to  them 
of  right,  and  that  an  Irishman  has  no  longer  a  right  to  re- 
main in  his  own  country." 

Q.  How  was  the  war  of  Bruce  brought  to  a  close  ? 
A.  Having  taken  Carrickfergus  in  131 7  and  next  year 
made  a  "  progress  "  through  the  island  in  imitation  of  the 
ancient  monarchs,  he  alienated  the  natives  by  his  ex- 
cesses, and  his  army  was  speedily  reduced  to  about  three 
thousand  men.  Without  waiting  for  reinforcements,  he 
engaged  at  Faughard  with  a  superior  army  under  John 
Bermingham,  and  being  slain  at  the  outset  of  the  battle, 
his  followers  were  put  to  flight,  October  14,  a.d.  1318. 
The  death  of  the  gallant  Bruce  put  an  end  to  the  war. 


^nf»PV^[^:^T^3fBf?^■■|ral^    «    '^^-'    ■■'     r^-^^'- A-i:^?\--»-!:*^'u.*R!».' '  -v^  ■:.r^-^r^,:s7-r--r^-^'<.''-/'y^'}i^/i^ :.-^  •■»■-.:  ^  ■    •  ■ '-r^r^rw? i ).}ii ^ ^ i».Jiiyp|p|^^»y 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  147 

Q.  How  were  the  Anglo-Norman  lords  rewarded  for 
their  services  ? 

A.  Richard  Bermingham  was  made  Baron  of  Athen- 
ry  and  John,  the  conqueror  of  Bruce,  was  created  Earl 
of  Louth.  After  the  accession  of  Henry  HI.,  in  1527, 
James  Butler  became  Earl  of  Ormond,  a.  d.  1328,  and 
Thomas  Fitzgerald,  Earl  of  Desmond,  1330. 

Q.  Did  the  country  enjoy  peace  after  this  war  ? 

A.  No  ;  dissensions  continued  to  multiply  among  both 
natives  and  Anglo-Normans.  Thus  at  Ardnocher,  in 
West  Meath,  a.d.  1328,  William  McGeoghan  defeated 
Lord  Butler  with  a  loss  of  three  thousand  five  hundred  men, 
and  in  1329  the  Earl  of  Louth  was  slain  at  Bally beagan 
with  two  hundred  of  his  adherents.  But  battles  are  not 
the  worst  feature  of  the  times,  for  we  read  that  eighty 
persons  were  burned  in  a  church  in  Leinster  in  133 1,  and 
three  years  later,  two  priests  and  one  hundred  and  eighty 
worshippers  met  the  same  fate  in  Thomond  ;  finally,  in 
1339,  about  twelve  hundred  natives  were  slain  in  Kerry 
by  the  Earl  of  Desmond, 

Q.  Is  there  nothing  cheering  in  the  annals  of  this 
time  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  a  few  noble  acts  on  the  part  of  the  Irish 
princes  have  come  down  to  us.  Thus,  because  Thurlogh 
O'Connor  of  Connaught  sent  away  his  wife,  and  took  up 
with  another  woman,  the  Irish  chieftains  deposed  him  after 
a  three  years'  struggle.  Later  on,  Brian  McMahon  of 
Ulster  was  guilty  of  a  like  crime,  and  was  punished  in  the 
same  manner  by  his  indignant  clansmen,  a.d.  1365. 
Q.  What  change  had  taken  place  in  England  ? 
A.  The  Saxons  and  the  Normans  had  now  become  one 
people  with  a  common  language,  and  from  this  time  forth 
they  are  known  to  us  as  Englishmen. 


148  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  How  did  Edward  III.  incense  the  Anglo-Norman 
lords  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  These  lords  had  gradually  adopted  the  language  of 
the  Irish,  and  now  they  began  to  act  as  if  they  were  in- 
dependent of  the  royal  authority.  Hence,  to  punish 
them,  Edward  revoked  all  the  privileges  and  grants  of 
land  made  to  them  by  himself  or  his  ancestors,  and 
ordered  that  all  debts  due  by  them  to  the  crown  should 
be  paid,  even  if  they  had  been  formerly  remitted,  a.d. 

1341. 

Q.  What  other  enactment  was  made  by  the  king  ? 

A.  In  the  following  year  he  issued  an  ordinance  pro- 
hibiting the  public  employment  of  men  born,  married,  or 
possessing  property  in  Ireland,  and  declared  that  all  offices 
of  state  should  be  filled  by  fit  Englishmen,  having  estates 
in  England. 

Q.  Were  these  laws  enforced  ? 

A.  No  ;  because  the  lords  met  together  at  Kilkenny 
and  set  forth  their  just  rights  in  a  spirited  remonstrance, 
and  Edward,  being  on  the  eve  of  war  with  France,  found 
it  necessary  to  yield  for  a  time. 

Q.  Did  the  policy  of  the  king  have  any  effect  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  it  excited  the  apprehension  of  the  Irish -born 
Normans,  and  induced  them  to  seek  the  friendship  and 
alliance  of  the  native  princes. 

Q.  What  other  occurrence  took  place  ? 

A.  An  Irish  force  won  distinction  at  Cregy  in  1347, 
and  also  at  Calais,  twelve  months  later ;  at  which  time  a 
frightful  pestilence  broke  out  on  the  continent,  and  ex- 
tended to  Ireland,  where  it  carried  off  thousands  of  the 
English  settlers. 

Q.  How  did  the  king  seek  to  destroy  the  harmony 
existing  between  the  natives  and  the  old  Norman  settlers  ? 


'-■f-ifi^mS&f"' 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  149 

A.  In  1357  it  was  declared  treason  to  intermarry  or 
hold  relations  of  fosterage  with  the  natives ;  and,  two 
years  later  it  was  enacted  that  "  no  mere  Irishman  could 
be  a  mayor,  or  bailiff,  or  officer  of  any  town  within  the 
English  districts;"  nor  could  he  <* hereafter,  under  pre- 
tence of  kindred  or  other  cause,  be  received  into  holy 
orders  or  advanced  to  any  ecclesiastical  benefice." 

Q.  What  learned  men  flourished  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Maurice  Gibellan,  poet  and  philosopher,  1327; 
Adam  of  Ireland,  philosopher  and  theologian  ;  David 
O'Bugey,  author  of  a  treatise  on  law  ;  John  Clynn,  annal- 
ist, 1349;  William  of  Drogheda,  author  of  the  "Golden 
Summary "  and  a  treatise  on  civil  law ;  Ralph  Kclley, 
Archbishop  of  Cashel,  canonist,  a.d.  1361. 


*- 

%■ 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Art  McMurroghy  A.D.  1367  to  1417; 

I  HO  was  lord-deputy  at  the  beginning  of  this 
era? 

A.  Lionel,  the  second  son  of  Edward  ni., 
was  created  deputy  and  sent  over  with  a 
force  of  fifteen  hundred  men  in  1361.  Like  a  tnie 
princeling,  he  despised  the  troublesome  natives,  and  pro- 
ceeded into  Clare  to  exterminate  them ;  but,  to  his  great 
surprise,  his  army  was  routed  with  considerable  loss. 
Soon  after  this  he  took  the  title  of  Duke  of  Clarence,  as 
a  reward  probably  for  having  saved  his  life  in  Clare  by 
the  fleetness  of  his  horse. 

Q.  What  law  was  enacted  under  Lionel  ? 

A.  The  statute  of  Kilkenny,  A.D.1367. 

Q.  What  were  the  provisions  of  this  act  ? 

A.  It  declared  that  *'  whereas  many  English  of  the  land 
of  Ireland,  forsaking  the  English  language,  manners, 
mode  of  riding,  and  usages,  live  and  govern  themselves 
according  to  the  manners,  fashion,  and  language  of  the 
Irish  enemies,  and,  also,  have  made  divers  marriages  and 
alliances  between  themselves  and  the  Irish  enemies 
aforesaid,  it  is  therefore  enacted,"  among  other  provi- 
sions, "  that  all  intermarriages,  fosterings,  gossipred,  buy- 
ing or  selling  with  the  *  enemie  '  shall  be  accounted  treason  ; 
that  English  names,  fashions,  and  manners  shall  be  re- 
sumed under  the  penalty  of  the  confiscation  of  the  delin- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  ISt 

> 
quent's  lands  ;*  that  March-law  and  Brehon  law  are  illegal, 
and  that  there  shall  be  no  law  but  English  law  ;  that  the 
Irish  shall  not  pasture  their  cattle  on  English  lands ;  that 
the  English  shall  not  entertain  Irish  rhymers,  minstrels, 
or  newsmen ;  and,  moreover,  that  no  *  mere  Irishman ' 
shall  be  admitted  to  any  ecclesiastical  benefice  or  re- 
ligious house  situated"  within  the  English  districts." 

Q.  What  was  the  effect  of  this  act  ? 

A.  It  showed  the  Irish  that  they  were  to  be  utterly  ex- 
terminated, 'and  forced  them  to  unite  against  the  common 
enemy. 

Q.  What  was  their  success  ? 

A.  In  1369,  O'Brien,  Prince  of  Thomond,  defeated 
Garret,  Earl  of  Desmond,  near  Adare,  and  slew  many  of 
his  followers.  Limerick  was  then  captured,  and  Carrick- 
fergus  shared  the  same  fate.  In  1375  Burke  and  Talbot, 
two  English  commanders,  were  defeated  and  slain  at 
Downpatrick  by  Niall  O'Neill  of  Ulster.  It  was  at  this 
time  also  that  Art  McMurrogh  entered  on  his  long  con- 
test with  the  English  spoilers,  and  became  the  great  cham- 
pion of  national  independence. 

Q.  What  was  the  condition  of  the  English  settlements  ? 

A.  The  condition  of  the  English  was  so  desperate  that 
William  de  Windsor,  who  was  appointed  lord-lieutenant 
in  1374,  would  consent  to  accept  the  office  only  on  con- 
dition that  he  be  allowed  to  act  on  the  defensive,  and  not 
be  forced  to  undertake  new  expeditions.  As  compensa- 
tion for  his  services,  he  was  to  be  paid  annually  eleven 
thousand  two  hundred  and  thirteen  pounds,  six  shillings 
and  eight  pence,  a  sum  exceeding  the  whole  revenue  of 
the  "  Pale,"  as  the  English  districts  in  Dublin,  Louth, 
Kildare,  and  Meath  began  to  be  termed. 

Q.  Who  was  Art  McMurrogh  ? 


152  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  Art  was  born  in  1357,  and  at  the  death  of  his  father 
he  became  the  lawful  king  of  Leinster.  In  1377  he  com- 
l)elled  the  English  colonists  to  pay  him  tribute,  or  **  black 
mail,"  as  they  termed  it ;  and  his  successors  continued  to 
receive  the* same  down  to  the  year  1603. 

Q.  Who  was  his  contemporary  in  Connaught  ? 

A.  Roderick,  the  last  sole  king  of  that  province,  a.d. 
1384. 

Q.  What  ill  fortune  overtook  Art  McMurrogh  ? 

A.  In  1392,  James,  the  third  Earl  of  Ormond,  slew  six 
hundred  of  his  followers  at  Tiscoffin. 

Q.  Who  undertook  the  task  of  entirely  exterminating 
the  Leinster  king  ? 

A.  Richard  II.,  who  was  king  of  England  since  1377. 
Feeling  the  burden  of  the  tributes  paid  to  the  Irish  by  his 
subjects,  he  determined  to  put  an  end  to  them  forever  by 
exterminating  McMurrogh. 

Q.   Did  Richard  proceed  to  Ireland  in  person  ? 

A.  Yes ;  he  crossed  into  Ireland  with  four  thousand 
men-at-arms  and  thirty  thousand  archers,  and  many  native 
chiefs,  overawed  by  this  force,  came  to  terms  with  him, 
A.D.  1394. 

Q.  What  offer  did  Richard  make  to  McMurrogh  ? 

A.  On  condition  that  Art  would  deliver  up  all  his  pos- 
sessions in  Leinster,  Richard  was  kind  enough  to  offer 
him  the  right  to  all  the  land  he  could  conquer  from  the 
other  Irish  princes  throughout  the  kingdom. 

Q.  Did  Art  accept  the  offer  ? 

A.  No  ;  he  did  not  entertain  it  for  a  moment.  He 
preferred  to  ^eep  his  own  and  to  fight  his  enemies. 

Q.  What  followed  his  refusal?        ,^-. 

A.  Richard  advanced  against  him  ;  but  McMurrogh  and 
his  little  army  retired  before  him.     After  a  weary  march 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  153 

the  royal  army  returned  to  Dublin  for  refreshments,  and 
Richard,  already  tired  of  his  war,  adopted  another  policy 
and  invited  Art  to  a  conference. 
Q.  Was  the  invitation  accepted  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  the  two  kings  met  at  Dublin,  an3  Richard 
showed  himself  more  successful  at  wiles  than  at  war. 
Though  Art  protested  that  he  had  already  been  knighted 
at  the  age  of  seven,  he  was  constrained  to  receive  that 
honor  at  the  hands  of  his  royal  brother.  This  appearance 
of  friendship,  however,  was  feigned  on  the  part  of  Richard, 
and  the  Irish  king  was  virtually,  a  prisoner  till  he  made 
good  his  escape  from  the  city,  a.d.  1394. 
Q.  What  did  Richard  then  do  ? 

A.  He  intrusted  the  government  to  his  kinsman  and 
heir,   Roger  Mortimer,  Earl  of  March,  and  returned  to 
England. 
Q.  Did  peace  continue  ? 

A.  No ;    soon  after  his    departure,    McMurrogh  was 
again  in  arms.     In  1397  he  captured  Carlow,  and  next 
year  at  Kenlis  he  put  Lord  Mortimer  and  his  whole  army 
to  the  sword,  a.d.  1398. 
Q.  How  did  this  news  affect  Richard  ? 
A.   He  was  filled  with  anger,  and  proceeded  once  more 
to  Ireland  with   twenty-four   thousand   men,  to   chastise 
McMurrogh,  who   now  called   himself  "most   excellent 
King  and  Lord  of  great  Ireland,"  a.d.  1399. 
Q.  What  course  did  Richard  first  pursue  ? 
A.  He  offered  terms  to  McMurrogh,  who  sent  back 
word  that  "  he  would  neither   submit  to  nor  obey  him  in 
any  way  ;  that  he  himself  was  the  rightful  king  of  Ireland, 
and  that  he  would  never  cease  from  war  and  the  defence 
of  his  country,  until  death." 

Q.  Did  Richard  then  take  the  field  ? 

>.* 


154  CATECHISM  OP  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  Yes ;  but  his  rival  retired  before  him,  and  laid 
waste  the  country,  so  that  hunger  and  fatigue  forced  the 
royal  invader  to  return  to  his  supplies  on  the  coast.  In 
his  anger  at  this  failure,  and  to  save  further  trouble,  he 
offered  "one  hundred  marks  in  pure  gold"  for  McMur- 
rogh  dead  or  alive. 

Q.  What  obliged  Richard  to  return  hastily  to  Eng- 
land ? 

A.  He  was  forced  to  hasten  to  England  to  oppose 
Henry,  Duke  of  Lancaster,  who  had  landed  in  that 
country  to  claim  the  crown.  The  adventurer  was  suc- 
cessful and  was  crowned  as  Henry  IV.,  a.d.  1399. 

Q.  Did  the  late  expedition  improve  the  English  inter- 
ests ? 

A.  No  ;  the  Irish  chiefs'  continued  to  encroach  on  the 
possessions  of  the  English,  and  to  exact  tribute  from  them 
to  the  amount  of  seven  hundred  pounds,  a  vast  sum  in 
those  days.  Even  the  Irish  lords  of  English  descent  be- 
came more  national  in  thought  and  action,  though,  as  a 
body,  they  never  verified  the  phrase,  Ipsis  Hibernis  Hi- 
berniores,  "more  Irish  than  the  Irish  themselves."  Some 
of  the  old  leaven  always  remained  in  them,  and  they  could 
never  be  depended  upon  in  a  crisis. 

Q.  Mention  the  closing  events  of  this  epoch. 

A.  In  the  year  1407  the  Irish  suffered  a  loss  of  eight 
hundred  men  at  Callan  in  Munster ;  but  this  defeat  was 
more  than  counterbalanced  in  the  following  year  by  a 
great  victory  which  Art  gained  at  Kilmainham  over  an 
English  army  numbering  ten  thousand  men.  On  the  loth 
of  May,  1414,  O'Connor  of  Connaught  defeated  the 
enemy  at  Killucan,  and  three  years  later  the  aged  Mc- 
Murrogh  died  after  forty  years  of  warfare  against  the 
enemies  of  his  country.  -  -    -' 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  155 

Q.  What  literary  men  were  contemporary  with  Art  Mc- 

Murrogh  ? 

A.  Hugh  of  Ireland,  author  of  a  book  of  travels ; 
Geoffrey  O'Hogan,  annalist,  1370 ;  Henry  Crump,  a 
learned  divine,  1390  ,;  and  Augustin  Magradan,  hagiog- 
rapher. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Richard,  Duke  of  York,  A.D.  1417  to  1460. 

IN  what  condition  was  Ireland  after  the  death 
of  McMurrogh  ? 

A.  It  was  without  a  leader  and   at  the 
mercy  of  a  horde  of  needy  adventurers,  both 
lay  and  clerical. 

Q.  What  was  a  common  spectacle  at  this  time  ? 

A.  It  was  a  common  thing  for  English  ecclesiastics  to 
hold  civil  office,  and  for  priors,  bishops,  and  archbishops 
to  march  with  armed  bands  to  rob  and  plunder  the  hap- 
less Irish. 

Q.  Did  they  sanction  any  other  policy  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  they  heartily  approved  of  the  laws  and  penal 
enactments  made  in  parliament  against  the  Irish  people. 

Q.  Mention  one  of  these  statutes. 

A.  In  the  fourth  year  of  Henry  V.,  a.d.  141 7,  the 
English  parliament  forbade  "  all  Irish  adventurers  what- 
ever "  to  remain  in  England ;  at  the  same  time,  the  as- 
sembly of  the  Pale  decreed  that  no  one  should  depart 
from  Ireland  without  special  permission. 

Q.  Were  these  enactments  really  necessary  ? 

A.  No ;  for  instead  of  leaving  their  country  in  despair, 
the  natives  were  now  in  a  fair  way  of  obtaining  entire 
possession  of  it.  Thus  we  read  in  a  municipal  petition 
to  Henry  VI.,  who  obtained  the  throne  in  1422,  "that 
the  enemies  and  rebels,  aided  by  the  Scotch,  had  con- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  IS 7 

quered   or  rendered  tributary  almost  every  part  of  the 
country  except  the  County  of  Dublin"  a.d.  1430. 

Q.  Did  this  state  of  things  discourage  the  English  ? 

A.  No ;  they  resolved  to  regain  by  "  laws  "  what  they 
could  not  retain  by  arms  ;  hence,  two  years  later,  the  par- 
liament passed  a  statute  entitled,  "  An  act  that  no  person, 
liege  or  alien,  shall  take  merchandise,  or  things  to  be 
sold,  to  faire,  market,  or  other  place,  amongst  the  Irish 
enemies,  etc.,  under  pain  of  imprisonment,  confiscation  of 
goods,  and  felony." 

Q.  Were  the  natives  secure  from  the  violence  of  the 
English  in  time  of  peace  ? 

A.  No ;  as  is  evident  from  a  statute  whereby  it  was  en- 
acted, A.D.  1442,  "  That  it  should  be  lawful  for  every  liege 
man  to  take  all  manner  of  Irish  enemies,  which,  in  time 
of  peace  and  truce,  should  come  and  converse  amongst 
the  English  lieges  "  (mark  the  excuse),  *'  to  spy  their  secre- 
cies, force,  ways,  and  subtilties,  and  to  make  0/  them  as  of 
the  king's  enemies"  that  is,  put  them  to  death  immediately 
without  judge  or  jury. 

Q.  What  enactments  show  the  petty  spirit  of  the  Eng- 
lish laws  ? 

A.  In  1447  a  law  was  enacted  declaring  that  men  should 
shave  the  upper  lip,  or  be  treated  as  Irish  enemies ;  and 
another,  that  the  sons  of  artisans  should  follow  the  occupa- 
tions of  their  fathers. 

Q.  Mention  a  crying  abuse  of  the  time  ? 

A.  Under  the  name  of  Coyn  and  livery,  a  practice  anal- 
ogous to  the  Irish  bonaght,  the  English,  when  able,  were 
accustomed  to  quarter  themselves  upon  the  natives,  and 
to  exact  food,  forage,  money,  and  entertainment,  free  of 
all  charge. 

Q.  Who  was  now  made  lord-lieutenant  ? 


1S8  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  Richard,  Duke  of  York,  a  descendant  of  Edward 
III.,  was  appointed  to  that  office  for  the  term  of  ten  years, 
A.D.  1449.  As  he  aspired  to  the  English  throne,  his  ene- 
mies wished  to  place  him  in  honorable  exile  in  Ireland, 
and  hence,  they  granted  him  the  full  revenues  of  the  island, 
together  with  an  annual  salary  from  England. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  this  prince  ? 

A.  He  was  able  and  affable,  and  easily  won  the  affec- 
tions of  the  people  by  his  justice  and  munificence.  On 
this  account,  Ireland  afterwards  favored  the  house  of  York 
in  its  struggle  against  the  Lancaster  dynasty. 

Q.  What  disturbance  arose  in  England  ? 

A.  In  England,  an  Irishman,  named  John  Cade,  col- 
lected twenty  thousand  nlen,  and  defeated  the  king's  arm}'. 
Then  he  took  possession  of  London,  but  after  a  brief 
career,  he  was  deserted  by  his  followers  and  put 'to  death. 

Q.  What  resolution  did  the  Duke  of  York  take  ? 

A.  He  returned  to  England  with  the  design  of  seizing 
the  crown,  but,  owing  to  adverse  circumstances,  he  did 
not  openly  make  the  attack  until  five  years  later. 

Q.  What  happened  at  the  expiration  of  that  term  ? 

A.  The  duke  then  proceeded  to  England,  where  he 
levied  an  army,  and  defeated  the  royal  troops  at  St. 
Albans,  a.d.  1455.  This  battle  inaugurated  the  long  and 
bloody  struggle  known  as  the  "War  of  the  Roses." 

Q.  Was  the  duke  entirely  successful  ? 

A.  No ;  the  supporters  of  the  house  of  Lancaster  soon 
forced  him  to  fiee  to  Ireland  for  safety,  and  the  English 
Parliament,  always  sure  to  favor  the  uppermost  party,  pro- 
claimed him  a  traitor. 

Q.  How  was  he  received  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  Though  the  term  of  his  commission  as  lord-lieuten- 
ant had  expired,  the  people  received  him  with  joy,  and 


•  ^^p?;- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  159 

the  Anglo-Irish  parliament  made  it  treason  to  seek  or  im- 
agine his  death,  ad.  1460. 

Q.  What  declaration  did  this  parliament  make  ? 

A.  It  declared  that  "  Ireland  is  and  always  has  been 
incorporated  within  itself  by  ancient  laws  and  customs  ; 
and  is  only  to  be  governed  by  such  laws  as,  by  the  lords 
and  commons  of  the  land  in  parliament  assembled,  have 
been  advised,  accei^ted,  affirmed,  and  proclaimed  :"  more- 
over, "  that  by  custom,  privilege,  and  franchise,  there  has 
ever  been  a  royal  seal  peculiar  to  Ireland,  to  which  alone 
the  king's  subjects  are  to  pay  obedience." 

Q.  What  became  of  the  Duke  of  York  ? 

A.  He  again  went  to  England  with  many  Anglo-Irish 
adherents,  and,  though  at  first  successful,  he  was  finally 
defeated  and  slain  at  the  battle  of  Wakefield,  a.d.  1560. 

Q.  What  men  of  this  era  are  worthy  of  mention  ? 

A.  William  of  Waterford,  writer,  1433;  Richard  O'He- 
dian,  the  patriotic  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  1440 ;  and  Philip 
Norris,  the  author  of  seveaal  learned  works,  1458. 


■  ;*■:*' 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Unchristian  Zaivs,  A.D.  1460  to  1500. 

HAT  side  did  the  Irish  take  in  the  War  of  the 
Roses  ? 

A.  With  few  exceptions,  they  adhered  to 
the  house  of  York. 

Q.   How  long  did  the  struggle  continue  ? 

A.  From  the  battle  of  St.  Albans,  a.d.  1455,  to  that  of 
Tewkesbury,  a.d.  1485. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  to  the  claim  of  Richard  Duke  of 
York? 

A.  His  son  Edward,  who  afterwards  reigned  as  the 
Fourth  of  the  name,  a.d.  1461. 

Q.  Did  the  Irish  princes  take  advantage  of  the  dis- 
sensions in  England? 

A.  They  did  to  some  degree,  and,  though  acting  with- 
out concert,  they  reduced  the  English  possessions  to 
very  narrow  limits.  The  old  Anglo-Norman  families, 
however,  were  left  undisturbed,  because  looked  upon  as 
friends  and  equals,  since  they  had  adopted  the  manners 
and  the  language  of  the  country. 

Q.  How  did  the  government  try  to  make  up  for  this 
defection  of  the  colonists? 

A.  In  the  third  year  of  Edward  IV.  an  act  was  passed, 
which  forced  every  Irishman  within  the  Pale  "  to  take  to 
him  an  English  surname  of  one  town ;  as,  Sutton,  Chester, 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  l6l 

Trim,  Skyrne,  Corke,  Kinsale;  or  color;  as,  White, 
Blacke,  Browne ;  or  art  or  science ;  as,  Smith,  or  Car- 
penter ;  or  office  j  as,  Cooke,  or  Butler ;  and  that  he  and 
his  issue  shall  use  this  name  under  penalty  of  forfeiture 
of  his  goods  yearly." 

Q.  Did  many  natives  settle  within  the  Pale,  and  change 
Iheir  names  ?  • 

A.  It  would  seem  not ;  for,  in  such  a  case,  they  would 
be  in  constant  danger  of  being  put  to  death  at  any  mo- 
ment, because,  in  1465,  a  law  was  made,  entitled,  *'An 
act,  that  it  shall  be  lawful  to  kill  any  Irishman  that  is 
found  robbing  by  day  or  night,  or  going  or  coming  to  rob 
or  steal,  having  no  faithful  man  of  good  name  or  fame  in 
their  company  in  English  apparel."  Thus,  in  truth,  the 
only  fact  necessary  to  be  ascertained,  was  that  a  person 
was  an  Irishman  ;  for,  if  he  were  not  robbing,  or  coming 
from  robbing,  who  could  say  but  that  he  might  be  going 
to  rob.     Therefore,  he  might  always  be  put  to  death. 

Q.  What  encouragement  was  offered  to  secure  the 
execution  of  this  act  ?  © 

A.  It  was  afterwards  enacted  that  after  the  Englishman 
had  murdered  his  man  "  going  to  rob,"  he  might  levy  a 
tax  on  every  household  in  the  barony  where  the  said 
thief  was  taken. 

Q.  Give  another  sample  of  English  laws. 

A.  In  a  parliament  held  in  Dublin  by  William  Sher- 
wood, Lord-lieutenant,  and  Bishop  of  Meath,  it  was  de- 
creed that  any  Englishman  injured  by  a  native  beyond  the 
Pale,  might  take  vengeance  on  the  entire  sept  of  the  ag- 
gressor, A.D.  1475. 

Q.  What  order  did  merchants  receive  ? 

A.  The  significant  order  was  issued  that  every  mer- 
chant trading  in  Ireland,  should  bring  twenty  shillings' 


l62  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

worth  of  bows  and  arrows  into  the  country,  for  every  twenty 
pounds'  worth  of  goods  he  imported  from  England. 

Q.  What  law  only  was  favorable  to  the  Irish  ? 

A.  The  one  declaring  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  Pale 
should  hold  no  intercourse  with  them. 

Q.  How  was  England  again  disturbed  by  civil  strife  ? 

A.  Edward  IV.  died  in  1483,  and  was  succeeded  by 
his  eldest  son,  styled  Edward  V. ;  but  this  young  king 
reigned  only  two  months,  when  he  was  dethroned  by 
Richard  III.,  who  after  two  years  was  slain  in  battle  by 
Henry  VII.,  a.d.  1485. 

Q.  What  caused  a  gradual  change  in  the  ancient  mode 
of  Irish  warfare  ? 

A.  The  introduction  of  hand-guns  which  were  invented 
about  1430.  They  were  first  used  in  Ireland  by  Hugh 
Roe  O'Donnell  in  1487,  and  great  guns,  or  cannon,  were 
used  in  sieges  about  ten  years  later. 

Q.  What  occurred  at  this  time  ? 

A.  In  i486  the  Earl  of  Kildare,  then  lord-lieutenant, 
and  othrf  great  lords  of  the  Pale  embraced  the  cause  of 
an  impostor  named  Lambert  Simnel,  who  passed  himself 
off  as  Edward,  Earl  of  Warwick,  whom  Henry  VII.  held 
in  confinement  because,  as  son  of  the  Duke  of  Clarence, 
he  was  the  reputed  heir  of  the  house  of  York. 

Q.  What  steps  did  the  adherents  of  the  pretender 
take? 

A.  They  led  six  thousand  Irish  and  two  thousand  Ger- 
man auxiliaries  to  invade  England ;  but  they  were  defeated 
at  Stoke  by  a  more  numerous  force  under  King  Henry. 

Q.  What  other  impostor  appeared  in  Ireland  soon  after 
this  ? 

A.  Perkin  Warbeck,  who  called  himself  the  Duke  of 
York,  the  second  son  of  Edward  IV.,  a.d.  1492.     After 


i^ATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  163 

a  few  weeks  spent  at  Cork,  he  went  to  France,  whence  he 
afterwards  returned  to  meet  defeat  at  Waterford. 

Q.  What  famous  act  was  now  passed  ? 
'  A.  In  1494  Edward  Poynings  was  lord -lieutenant,  and, 
having  assembled  a  parliament  at  Drogheda  in  the  follow- 
ing year,  an  act  was  passed,  which  provided  among  other 
things,  that  thereafter  no  legislation  whatever  should  be 
enacted  in  Ireland,  until  the  bills  proposed  were  first  sub- 
mitted to  the  king  and  council  in  England,  and  returned 
approved  under  the  great  seal  of  the  realm.  This  meas- 
ure is  known  as  "  Poyning's  Act." 

Q.  DesO-ibe  the  general  condition  of  the  country  ? 

A.  The  authority  of  the  Earl  of  Kildare  was  paramount 
within  the  Pale  ;  the  native  chiefs  were  wasting  their 
energies  in  frequent  strifes,  and  the  condition  of  affairs 
was,  on  the  whole,  far  from  encouraging. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  the  prominent  men  ? 

A.  Thaddeus  O'Brien,  Prince  of  Thomond,  a.d.  1466  ; 
Philip  Higgins,  poet,  1487  ;  Charles  McGuire,  annalist, 
1495  ;  and  James  Keating,  prior  of  the  Knights  of  St. 
John  at  Kilmainham,  1461-1491. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

The  Earls  of  Kildare,  A.D.  1500  to  1537. 

|ID    Henry  VII.  give  much  attention   to  his 
Irish  possessions  ? 

A.  No ;  he  merely  appointed  the  deputies 
and  occasionally  settled  the  dissensions  aris- 
ing among  his  subjects  within  the  Pale. 

Q.  Who  was  lord-lieutenant  at  the  beginning  of  the 
sixteenth  century  ? 

A.  Gerald,  the  eighth  Earl  of  Kildare,  a.d.  1513. 

Q.  How  did  this  nobleman  use  his  power  ? 

A.  Having  quarrelled  with  his  son-in-law,  Ulick  de 
Burgh,  Lord  of  Clanricarde,  Kildare  called  to  his  aid  all 
the  Geraldines,  together  with  many  lords  of  the  Pale, 
and  several  native  chieftains  of  the  north. 

Q.  Who  assisted  de  Burgh  ? 

A.  O'Brien  of  Thomond,  and  many  other  chiefs  of 
Munster. 

Q.  Which  party  was  victorious  ? 

A.  A  battle  was  fought  at  Knocktow  near  Galway, 
where  Kildare  routed  his  enemies,  who  lost  two  thousand 
men. 

Q.  What  incident  shows  the  undying  hatred  cherished 
towards  the  natives  by  the  Anglo-Irish  ? 

A.  After  the  battle  William  Preston,  Viscount  of  Gor- 
manstown,   said  to    the   Earl  of  Kildare,     "We  have 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  165 

slaughtered  our  enemies,  but  to  complete  the  good  deed, 
we  must  proceed  still  further — cut  the  throats  of  those 
Irish  of  our  party." — See  Leland,  vol.  ii.,  p.  120. 

Q.  Was  this  advice  followed  ? 

A.  No ;  to  do  so  would  undoubtedly  have  given  them 
great  pleasure,  but,  knowing  that  the  Irish  had  arms  in 
their  hands,  they  thought  better  of  it,  especially  as  the 
Irish  were  not  inclined  to  die  just  then. 

Q.  What  happened  within  the  next  few  years  ? 

A.  In  1509  Henry  VII.  was  succeeded  by  Henry  VIII., 
and  in  the  following  year,  Kildare,  the  lord-lieutenant, 
was  defeated  at  Monetrar  in  Munster  by  O'Brien  of  Tho- 
mond,  assisted  by  the  Earl  of  Desmond.  Three  years 
later  Carrickfergus  was  taken,  and  its  garrison  put  to  the 
sword  by  Hugh  O'Donnell  of  Tyrconnell.  At  this  time 
also,  the  Earl  of  Kildare  died  and  was  succeeded  by  his 
son  Gerald,  the  ninth  and  last  Catholic  earl  of  the  name. 

Q.  How  much  of  Ireland  was  held  by  the  EngUsh  at 
the  accession  of  Henry  VIII.  ? 

A.  Only  half  of  the  five  counties  of  Dublin,  Meath, 
Louth,  Wexford,  and  Kildare.  Even  the  bulk  of  the  in- 
habitants of  these  districts  were  Irish  in  birth,  habits,  and 
language. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  Geraldines  or  Fitzgeralds  of 
Munster? 

A.  The  Geraldines  of  Munster  were  gradually  extend- 
ing their  possessions  by  encroaching  upon  the  native 
chiefs,  but  at  last  Mac  Carthy  of  Carbery,  and  O'Brien  of 
Thomond,  united  their  forces  and  defeated  them  with  a 
loss  of  two  thousand  men,  a.d.  1520.  A  less  pleasing 
victory  was  that  at  Knockavoe  in  Ulster,  where  O'Neill 
lost  nine  hundred  of  his  clansmen  in  a  contest  against  his 
rival  O'Donnell. 


l66  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  foreign  alliance  was  made  by  the  Earl  of 
Desmond,  the  chief  of  the  Geraldines  ? 

A.  Desmond  assimied  the  dignity  of  a  sovereign  prince, 
and  in  1523  formed  an  alliance  with  Francis  I.,  of  France, 
who  promised  to  land  in  Ireland  with  fifteen  thousand 
men  to  expel  the  English  from  the  Pale. 

Q.  Was  the  project  carried  out  ? 

A.  No  ;  Francis  was  taken  prisoner  at  Pavia  by  his  rival 
Charles  V.  of  Spain,  and  Desmond  had  to  moderate  his 
ambition. 

Q.  Was  Desmond  punished  for  his  conduct  ? 

A.  The  Earl  of  Kildare  was  ordered  to  chastise  him, 
but,  disliking  the  office,  he  proceeded  to  Ulster  under  pre- 
text of  restoring  order  in  that  province. 

Q.  Was  the  king  satisfied  with  the  conduct  of  his 
deputy  ? 

A.  No ;  he  called  Kildare  to  England  to  account  for 
his  disobedience.  Before  his  departure,  the  earl  placed  the 
government  in  the  hands  of  his  son,  liOrd  Thomas  Fitz- 
gerald, surnamed  Silken  Thomas,  who  was  but  twenty 
years  of  age. 

Q.  \Vhat  happened  to  the  earl  in  England  ? 

A.  On  his  arrival  in  London  he  was  imprisoned  in  the 
Tower  on  a  charge  of  treason. 

Q.  What  did  his  enemies  then  do  ? 

A.  In  order  that  his  son,  the  young  Lord  Thomas, 
might  bring  ruin  on  all  his  house  by  some  rash  act,  they 
forged  despatches  to  Ireland,  reporting  that  the  earl  had 
been  executed  by  order  of  the  king. 

Q.  What  action  did  Lord  Thomas  take  upon  hearing 
this  report  ? 

A.  He  proceeded  at  once  to  the  privy-council  chamber 
with  one  hundred  and  forty  of  his  followers,  and  flinging 


■••-j.jjJMf",;'      •  ■       ■      -    '■:,--    ■■-■-■-'■-■■:■■■     ■  -■~:--,-y-_- 

CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  .167 

the  sword  of  state  on  the  council-table,  he  indignantly  re- 
nounced his  allegiance  to  Henry  VIII. 

Q.  What  was  his  next  step  ? 

A.  He  took  up  arms  against  the  royal  authority.  Hav- 
ing fixed  his  headquarters  at  Maynooth,  he  overran  the 
neighborhood  of  Dublin ;  but  after  some  time  he  lost  this 
stronghold  by  treachery,  and  his  followers,  becoming  dis- 
couraged, dispersed. 

Q.  Did  Lord  Thomas  surrender  ? 

A.  After  a  formidable  resistance  among  the  woods  and 
defiles  of  Leinster,  the  youthful  rebel  was  induced  to  sub- 
mit, on  the  promise  of  pardon  by  Lord  Grey,  the  king's 
deputy. 

Q.  Did  Grey  keep  his  promise  ? 

A.  No  ;  he  sent  his  prisoner  to  England,  and  then, 
having  invited  the  five  uncles  of  his  victim  to  dine  with 
him,  he  treacherously  seized  them  all,  and,  though  three 
of  them  had  taken  no  part  in  the  rising,  all  were  sent  to 
England,  where  they  were  hanged  together  at  Tyburn,  by 
order  of  Henry,  February  3d,  1537. 

Q.  What  fate  befell  the  treacherous  Grey  ? 

A.  He  lost  the  favor  of  his  sovereign,  and,  by  a  just 
retribution,  was  himself  hanged  at  Tyburn. 

Q.  What  important  event  took  place  meanwhile  ? 

A.  In  consequence  of  being  refus^  a  divorce  from  his 
lawftil  wife,  Henry  VIII.  broke  with  the  Pope,  and,  re- 
jecting his  authority,  set  up  his  own  claims  as  head  of  the 
Church,  A.D.  1537. 

Q.  What  speaks  well  for  the  Iiish  gentlemen  of  this  age  ? 

A.  The  fact  that  the  English  had  to  have  recourse  to 
law  to  prevent  their  maidens  from  espousing  Irishmen,  as 
appears  from  a  law  entitled,  "  An  act  against  marrying 
■with  or  fostering  to  Irishmen." 


x68  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  writers  flourished  in  this  age  ? 

A.  ManusO'Donnell,  biographer  of  St.  Columba,  1520, 
and  Maurice  O'Fihely,  also  called  Maurice  a  Portu,  who 
was  Archbishop  of  Tuam,  and  one  of  the  most  learned 
men  of  his  age.  Among  other  works,  he  wrote  the  life  of 
Scotus,  and  commentaries  on  the  latter' s  works,  together 
with  an  "  P^nchiridion  of  the  Faith,"  a  dictionary  of  the 
Sacred  Scriptures,  &c.,  &c.,  a.d.  15 13. 


;-'TO!W 


SECOND  PERIOD. 

Ireland  and  Her  English  Protestant  Rulers,  a.d, 
1537  TO  A.D,  1878. 


CHAPTER  I. 

John  O'Neill,  A.D.  1537  to  1567. 

HAT  is  the  last  division  of  Irish  History  ? 

A.  The  last  section  of  Irish  History  is  from 
the  Reformation  to  the  present  time,  a  period 
of  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  years. 
Q.   What  do  you  mean  by  the  Reformation  ? 
A.  By  the  Reformation  is  meant  the  great  rebellion 
which  took  place  in  the  sixteenth  century  against  the  doc- 
trine and  authority  of  the  Catholic  Church. 
Q.  Who  were  its  leaders  ? 

A.  In  Germany  the  principal  leader  was  Martin  Luther, 
a  Saxon  friar ;  in  Switzerland,  John  Calvin,  a  rigid  fana- 
tic ;  in  Scotland,  John  Knox,  an  apostate  monk  ;  and,  in 
England,  Henry  VIH.,  a  voluptuous  tyrant.  All  these 
rejected  the  pope's  authority  over  the  Church,  and  as- 
serted their  own  supremacy  in  place  of  it. 

Q.  When  was  the  Reformation  introduced  into  Ire- 
land ? 

A.  In   1535  George  Brown,  an   apostate   priest,  was 


17©  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

made  first  Protestant  archbishop  of  Dublin  by  Henry 
VIII.  ;  but  it  was  not  till  the  parliament  of  Dublin  was 
convened  two  years  later,  that  the  reformed  religion  was 
introduced  by  law. 

Q.  Did  the  Irish  people  embrace  the  new  doctrines  ? 

A.  No  ;  with  the  exception  of  five  bishops,  three  priests, 
and  a  few  laymen,  all  continued  to  adhere  to  the  ancient 
faith. 

Q.  How  did  the  reformers  begin  their  work  ? 

A.  They  seized  several  abbeys,  convents,  and  monas- 
teries, and  confiscated  them  for  the  benefit  of  the  crown, 
or  granted  them  as  bribes  to  those  who  were  willing  to. re- 
form. 

Q.  What  did  the  Catholics  do  to  prevent  this  spolia- 
tion ? 

A.  Those  in  Ulster  took  up  arms,  but  were  defeated 
with  great  loss.  Then  they  sent  a  deputation  to  James 
V.  of  Scotland,  with  an  offer  of  submission  from  all  the 
great  men  of  Ireland,  if  he  would  aid  them  against  the 
spoilers.  The  king  consented  and  organized  an  expedi- 
tion consisting  of  fifteen  vessels  and  two  thousand  men, 
but,  unfortunately,  it  never  landed  in  Ireland. 

Q.  What  followed  this  failure  ? 

A.  Henry  VIII.  assembled  a  parliament  at  Dublin 
and  had  himself  elected  *'  King  of  Ireland."  As  there 
were  but  few  natives  present,  the  act,  of  course,  was  of  no 
force.  By  the  native  annalists  Henry  would  be  classed 
among  the  kings  '.'with  opposition,"  a.d.  1541. 

Q.  What  chiefs  acknowledged  the  new  title  ? 

A.  Conn  O'Neill  of  Ulster,  who  was  rewarded  with  the 
title  of  Earl  of  Tyrone  ;  Murrogh  O'Brien,  who  was  made 
Earl  of  Thomond ;  and  Ulick  Mac  William  Burke,  who 
was  dubbed  Earl  of  Clanricarde.     Brian  Fitzpatrick  and 


-;^   x:atechism  of  irish  history.         171 

Matthew  the  son  of  O'Neill. obtained  each  the  dignity  of 
Baron. 

Q.  How  were  the  new  lords  regarded  by  the  people  ? 

A.  They  were  universally  despised  for  their  servility, 
and,  on  their  return  to  Ireland,  they  were  deposed  or  driven 
into  exile  as  unworthy  to  command  a  free  people. 

Q.  What  took  place  in  Meath  ? 

A.  The  ancient  province  of  Meath  was  divided  into 
the  counties  of  Meath  and  West  Meath.  Henry  VIII. 
died  soon  afterwards  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  Eki- 
ward  VI.,  a  boy  of  nine  years,  a.d.  1547. 

Q.  What  did  the  new  government  do  ? 

A.  Several  septs  that  rebelled  were  crushed  and  their 
territory  confiscated.  Divine  service  began  to  be  held  in 
the  English  language,  and  the  ancient  church  of  Clon- 
macnoise  was  plundered  of  its  books  and  sacred  vessels. 

Q.  What  brought  hope  to  the  Catholics  ? 

A.  Edward  VI.  died  in  1553,  and  wa^  succeeded  by 
his  sister,  Mary  Tudor,  who  was  a  Catholic. 

Q,  What  are  the  principal  events  of  her  reign  ? 

A.  In  England  the  parliament  and  most  of  the  refor- 
mers renounced  the  Reformation  and  returned  to  the 
Church.  Many  who  refused  to  do  so  were  put  to  death. 
Others  sought  refuge  on  the  continent  or  in  Ireland, 
where  the  Catholic  corporation  of  Dublin  generously 
provided  them  with  houses. 

Q.  What  wrong  was  perpetrated  under  Mary  ? 

A.  The  districts  of  Leix  and  O'Faily,  which  had  been 
confiscate^d  under  Edward  VI.,  were  again  pillaged  and 
many  of  the  inhabitants  massacred.  This  territory  was 
henceforth  called  "King's  County"  and  "  Queen's  Coun- 
ty," and  the  chief  towns  were  named  "  Maryborough  " 
and   '*  Philipstown,"  in  honor  of  Queen  Mary  and  her 


172  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

husband  Philip  II.  of  Spain,  whom  she  had  lately  es- 
poused. 

Q.  How  long  did  Mary  occupy  the  throne  ? 

A.  She  held  it  but  five  years,  and  was  then  succeeded 
by  her  sister  Elizabeth,  a.d.  1558. 

Q.  Who  was  the  most  noted  Irish  chieftain  of  this 
period. 

A.  John  the  Proud,  better  known  as  Shane  O'Neill, 
who  took  the  title  of  "  King  of  Ulster." 

Q.  How  did  O'Neill  first  attract  attention  ? 

A.  By  deposing  his  father,  who  had  accepted  from 
Henry  VIII.  the  English  title  of  Earl  of  Tyrone. 

Q.  What  were  the  first  acts  of  Elizabeth's  reign  ? 

A.  On  her  accession  she  immediately  rejected  the 
authority  of  the  pope,  and  had  herself  declared  governess 
of  the  English  Church.  A  new  liturgy  or  prayer-book, 
called  the  *'  Book  of  Common  Prayer,"  was  compiled,  and 
all  her  subjects  were  forced  to  use  it  under  severe  penalties. 
Then  the  mass  was  abolished,  the  sacraments  were  re- 
duced to  two,  the  clergy  were  expelled,  and  the  images  were 
removed  from  the  churches.  This  was  the  fifth  time  that 
the  religion  of  England  was  changed  within  thirty  years. 

Q.   What  was  done  in  Ireland  by  the  queen's  deputy  ? 

A.  The  Earl  of  Sussex,  the  queen's  deputy,  introduced 
all  the  Protestant  innovations  into  Ireland.  Then  he 
proceeded  to  reconstruct  the  country.  He  changed  the 
territory  of  Annaly  into  the  County  of  Longford  ;  and,  six 
other  counties,  Clare,  Galway,  Sligo,  Mayo,  Leitrim,  and 
Roscommon  were  formed  within  the  province  of  Con- 
naught,  A.D.  1562. 

Q.  Was  John  O'Neill  idle  in  the  meanwhile  ? 

A.  No  ;  he  was  busy  extending  his  authority  over  the 
whole  of  Ulster. 


■  't:^!^'-:  : 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  I73 

Q.  How  did  he  avoid  hostilities  with  the  government  ? 

A.  Being  suspected  of  plotting  against  Elizabeth,  and 
not  being  fully  prepared  to  take  up  arms,  he  went  to  Lon- 
don to  clear  himself.  So  successful  was  he,  that  the  queen 
received  him  among  her  favorites,  and  on  his  departure 
gave  him  rich  presents. 

Q.  Did  this  visit  change  his  policy  ? 

A.  No ;  he  continued  to  assert  his  sovereignty  over 
Ulster,  which  he  defended  valiantly  against  the  attacks  of 
both  the  English  and  the  Scotch. 

Q.  Did  the  English  authorities  fear  him  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  he  was  greatly  distrusted  and  feared  by  Sussex, 
who  frequently  reported  his  conduct  to  the  queen. 

Q.  What  answer  did  she  make  ? 

A.  She  said,  *'  I^et  not  your  suspicions  of  O'Neill  give 
you  uneasiness.  Tell  my  troops  to  take  courage,  and 
that  this  rebellion  may  turn  to  their  advantage,  as  there 
will  be  lands  to  bestow  on  those  who  have  need  of  them." 

Q.  Was  O'Neill  intimidated  by  this  hint  ? 

A.  Far  from  it ;  assembling  his  forces  he  assailed 
Maguire  and  O'Donnell,  who  were  on  friendly  terms  with 
the  deputy.  He  then  overran  the  English  districts,  and 
routed  a  body  of  Scotch,  who  had  landed  in  Ulster. 

Q.  What  offer  did  Elizabeth  make  to  O'Neill? 

A.  In  order  to  obtain  peace,  she  offered  him  the  title 
of  Earl  of  Tyrone,  and  Baron  of  Dungannon,  with  a 
promise  to  annul  the  patents  of  Henry  VIII.,  which 
secured  to  his  brother,  Matthew  O'Neill,  the  right  of  suc- 
cession to  the  estates  and  honors  of  Tyrone. 

Q.  What  answer  did  O'Neill  give  the  commissioners 
who  brought  this  offer  ? 

A.  "  If,"  said  he,  "  your  mistress,  Elizabeth,  be  Queen 
of  England,  I  am  O'Neill,  King  of  Ulster ;  I  never  made 


174  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

peace  with  her,  without  having  been  previously  solicited 
to  it  by  her.  I  am  not  ambitious  of  the  abject  title  of 
Earl ;  both  my  family  and  birth  raise  me  above  it ;  I  will 
not  yield  precedence  to  any  one  ;  my  ancestors  have  been 
Kings  of  Ulster ;  I  have  gained  that  kingdom  by  my 
sword,  and  by  my  sword  I  will  preserve  it." 

Q.  What  resolution  did  the  government  adopt  ? 

A.  They  resolved  to  undermine  his  influence  and  then 
destroy  him.  With  this  object  in  view,  they  planted  a 
garrison  of  one  thousand  five  hundred  men  at  Derry, 
which  was  within  his  territory.  But  O'Neill  attacked  the 
town,  and  during  the  assault  the  powder  magazine  blew 
up  accidentally,  and  seven  hundred  of  the  English  were 
killed.     The  rest  left  the  place. 

Q.   How  did  the  war  end  ? 

A.  O'Neill  slew  four  hundred  men  at  the  battle  of 
Sagums,  which  was  his  last  success,  for  meanwhile,  Sussex 
succeeded  in  detaching  his  allies  from  him  by  bribes. 
Then  he  was  defeated  at  Lough  Swilly,  and  being  with- 
out resources,  he  sought  shelter  with  a  Scotch  force  at 
Clanbuoy,  where  he  was  treacherously  slain  at  the  insti- 
gation of  an  English  officer  named  Piers.  This  man 
received  a  reward  of  one  thousand  marks  from  the  gov- 
ernment for  his  services. 

Q.  What  did  this  war  cost  Elizabeth  ? 

A.  In  two  years  it  cost  her  three  thousand  five  hundred 
of  her  troops  and  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  forty-seven 
thousand  four  hundred  and  seven  pounds,  which  is  equal 
to  about  eight  million  dollars  of  our  money  at  the  present 
valuation. 


CHAPTER  II. 
Tlie  Geraldine  League,  A.D.  x^d"]  to  1588. 

I  HAT  was  the  condition  of  Ireland  at  the  death 
of  John  O'Neill  ? 

A.  Within  the  English  Pale  things  were 
somewhat  better  under  Elizabeth  than  under 
her  predecessors.  The  greatest  evils  were  excessive  tax- 
ation and  a  debased  silver  currency,  of  which  three- 
fourths  was  brass.  The  rest  of  the  country  was  still  dis- 
turbed by  frequent  strife  and  civiLwars. 

Q.  Who  were  the  chief  promoters  of  discord  ? 

A.  The  cutthroats  and  scum  of  England,  who  flocked 
into  Ireland  under  pretence  of  loyalty,  where,  under  the 
sanction  of  the  government,  they  had  ample  liberty  to  rob 
and  ravish  to  their  heart's  content.  The  cruelty  they 
practised  was  fiendish  and  truly  heartrending ;  nor  is  this 
to  be  wondered  at,  since  the  very  source  of  public  justice 
was  corrupt,  and  the  crime  of  wholesale  assassination  was 
sanctioned  by  law. 

Q.  What  other  class  of  adventurers  now  appeared  in 
Ireland  for  the  first  time  ? 

A.  About  this  time  a  new  band  of  fortune-hunters  from 
England  appeared  in  the  country.  They  came  with  all 
sorts  of  rights  and  privileges  from  the  queen,  to  dispossess 
the  natives  and  establish  English  colonies.  They  were 
termed  "  Undertakers  "  by  the  people,  and  were  akm  to  the 
"  carpet  baggers"  who  overran  the  Southern  States  after  the 


176  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Civil  War.  The  first  of  these,  bearing  the  name  of  Smith, 
landed  in  Ulster,  but  he  was  killed  by  the  inhabitants, 
and  his  followers  dispersed,  a.d.  1570.  Smith,  however, 
had  numerous  successors  who  were  much  more  fortu- 
nate. The  most  famous  was  Walter  Devereux,  Earl  of 
Essex,  who  in  1573  arrived  with  six  hundred  men  to  seize 
vast  tracts  of  land  which  had  been  granted  to  him  in 
Ulster  by  the  queen. 

Q.  What  crime  did  this  nobleman  commit  ? 

A.  "  On  the  conclusion  of  peace,"  says  a  manu- 
script in  Trinity  College,  he  "  invited  Brian  O'Neill  of 
Clanbuoy,  with  a  great  number  of  his  relations,  to  an  en- 
tertainment, where  they  lived  together  in  great  harmony, 
making  good  cheer  for  three  days  and  nights ;  when,  on 
a  sudden,  O'Neill  was  surprised  with  an  arrest,  together 
with  his  brother  and  his  wife,  by  the  earl's  orders.  His 
friends  were  put  to  the  sword  before  his  face,  nof  were 
the  women  or  children  spared.  He  himself,  with  his 
brother  and  wife,  was  sent  to  Dublin,  where  they  were 
cut  into  quarters." 

Q.  What  trouble  arose  in  Munster  ? 

A.  For  several  generations  the  houses  of  Ormond  and 
Desmond,  the  Butlers,  and  the  Fitzgeralds,  struggled  for 
supremacy  in  Munster.  At  length  a  dispute  arose  be- 
tween them  about  boundaries,  and  the  question  was  re- 
ferred to  Sidney,  the  lord-deputy.  The  Ormondists,  al- 
ways noted  for  their  diplomacy,  obtained  a  decision  in 
their  favor.  To  this,  Desmond,  who  was  undoubtedly 
in  the  right,  refused  to  submit,  whereupon  he  was  seized 
by  Sidney,  and  sent  to  England  to  be  confined  in  the 
Tower. 

Q.  What  league  was  then  organized  ? 

A.  The  princes  of  Munster  formed  a  league,  and  then 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  1 77 

took  the  field  to  defend  their  religion  and  possessions 
against  the  tyranny  of  the  government.  They  also  sent 
a  deputation  to  solicit  assistance  from  Pius  V.  and  Philip 
II.  of  Spain  ;  but  meanwhile,  Sir  Peter  Carew,  President 
.  of  Munster,  acted  with  so  much  vigor  that  several  chiefs 
were  forced  to  submit. 

Q.  Did  the  war  then  cease  ? 

A.  It  did  not.  A  cousin  oi  the  Earl  of  Desmond, 
James  Fitzmaurice  Fitzgerald,  the  soul  of  the  league,  con- 
tinued the  struggle,  and  obtained  several  victories  over 
the  royal  troops  under  Sir  John  Perrott. 

Q.  What  effect  did  this  have  upon  the  queen  ? 

A.  Elizabeth,  anxious  to  preserve  her  authority  in  Ire- 
land, released  the  Earl  of  Desmond  from  the  Tower,  and 
bound  him  to  put  an  end  to  the  rebellion  of  Fitzmaurice. 

Q.  Did  the  earl  keep  his  promise  ? 

A.  He  could  not  be  expected  to  do  so ;  for  when  he 
reached  Dublin,  he  was  forced  to  flee  into  his  own 
country  to  escape  the  treachery  of  Fitzwilliam,  the  queen's 
deputy. 

Q.  What  added  new  bitterness  to  the  struggle  ? 

A.  In  1577,  with  the  approval  of  the  deputy,  Francis 
Cosby,  President  of  Leinster,  invited  all  the  powerful  na- 
tive families  to  MuUaghmast,  in  King's  County,  to  confer 
with  the  English  settlers.  Then,  as  the  Irish  came  to  the 
place  of  meeting,  four  hundred  of  them  were  massacred 
by  the  government  troops.  On  the  following  day  the 
woods  were  scoured,  and  four  hundred  more  were  butch- 
ered by  the  same  cutthroats. 

Q.  How  did  Fitzmaurice  seek  to  strengthen  his  cause  ? 

A.  Leaving  Roderick  O' Moore,  and  James  Eustace,  Vis- 
cuunt  Baltinglass,  to  carry  on  the  war,  Fitzmaurice  proceed- 
ed to  the  continent  to  obtain  assistance  from  the  Catholic 


1 78  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

powers.  Hosts  of  English  spies  watched  his  movements, 
but  at  length,  with  the  assistance  of  Gregory  XIIL,  he  or- 
ganized an  expedition  for  the  deliverance  of  his  country. 

Q.  How  were  his  efforts  frustrated  ? 

A.  The  expedition  was  diverted  from  its  object  by 
Thomas  Stiickely,  an  English  adventurer,  who  had  obtain- 
ed command  of  the  fleet.  Meanwhile,  the  brave  GeraU 
dine  hastened  back  to  Ireland  with  eighty  companions. 

Q.  What  became  of  Fitzmaurice  ? 

A.  On  his  arrival  his  little  band  was  dispersed  by  the 
impolitic  Earl  of  Desmond,  and,  a  few  days  later,  himself 
was  mortally  wounded  in  a  skirmish  with  some  of  his  own 
kindred,  who  were  as  base  as  he  was  noble.  August  i8th, 
A.D.  1579. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Fitzmaurice  ? 

A.  John,  the  brother  of  the  Earl  of  Desmond,  was 
made  head  of  the  League.  After  gaining  several  victories 
over  his  enemies,  he  was  slain  in  the  following  year. 

Q.  Did  the  Irish  have  other  brave  leaders  ? 

A.  Yes ;  the  Earl  of  Desmond  himself,  was  now  forced 
into  the  war,  by  the  excesses  of  the  English  leaders,  who 
desired  to  have  an  excuse  for  dividing  his  vast  estates 
among  themselves.  About  this  time  also  Fiach  Mac 
Hugh  O' Byrne  defeated  the  army  of  the  deputy.  Lord 
Grey,  and  slew  eight  hundred  of  his  men  at  Glenmalure, 
in  Wicklow.  Among  the  dead  were  Sir  Peter  Carew  and 
Col.  Francis  Cosby,  who  richly  deserved  their  end.  August 
15th,  1580. 

Q.  Did  Desmond  receive  any  foreign  aid  ? 

A.  Yes ;  in  September,  a  Spanish  force  of  eight  hundred 
men  landed  at  Smerwick,  in  Kerry. 

Q.  What  was  their  fate  ? 

A.  The  place  was  invested  by  Lord  Grey,  and  after 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  I79 

forty  days  the  garrison  surrendered  on  condition  of  their 
lives  being  spared.  When  all  were  disarmed,  Sir  Walter 
Raleigh  entered  the  fort  with  a  body  of  troops,  and  order- 
ed these  eight  hundred  prisoners  of  war  to  be  massacred, 
and  flung  down  the  rocks  into  the  sea.  Among  the  apol- 
ogists of  this  crime  is  the  English  poet  Spenser,  who  was 
present  at  the  bloody  scene. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  Earl  of  Desmond  ? 

A.  After  making  a  gallant  struggle  against  overwhelm- 
ing numbers,  he  was  forced  to  seek  safety  by  concealing 
himself  in  a  wood,  where  he  was  soon  afterwards  discov- 
ered and  murdered  in  cold  blood.  His  head  was  sent  to 
England  by  his  rival  Ormond,  for  the  gratification  of  Eliza- 
beth, who  ordered  it  to  be  exposed  on  London  bridge. 
His  vast  estates,  amounting  to  five  hundred  and  seventy- 
four  thousand  six  hundred  and  twenty-eight  acres,  were 
confiscated  by  the  queen,  and  divided  among  the  enemies 
■who  had  brought  him  to  ruin  by  goading  him  into  rebel- 
lion, A.D.  1584. 

Q.  What  was  the  condition  of  Munster  after  the  war  ? 

A.  In  the  language  of  Edmund  Spenser,  that  "  most 
populous  and  plentiful  country"  was  reduced  to  "a  heap 
of  carcasses  and  ashes." 

Q.  By  whom  was  this  state  of  things  brought  about  ? 

A.  By  the  English  authorities,  who  encouraged  their 
soldiers  to  kill,  burn,  and  destroy  without  restraint ;  and 
so  eager  were  these  minions  for  slaughter,  that  "they 
spared  neither  man,  woman,  nor  child,  but  all  were  com- 
mitted to  the  sword." — Hollinshed,  iv.,  430. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  practices  of  these  Evangelical 
Christians. 

A.  After  Desmond's  death,  and  the  entire  suppression 
of  his  rebellion,  unheard-of  cruelties  were  committed  ou 


i8o  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

the  inhabitants  of  Munster  by  the  English  commanders. 
Great  companies  of  these  provincials,  men,  women,  and 
children,  were  often  forced  into  castles  and  other  houses, 
whidh  were  then  set  on  fire.  And. if  any  of  them  at- 
tempted to  escape  from  the  flames,  they  were  shot  or 
stabbed  by  the  soldiers  who  stood  guard  outside.  It  was 
a  diversion  to  these  monsters  of  men  to  take  up  infants 
on  the  points  of  the  spear,  and  whirl  them  about  in  their 
agony,  apologizing  for  their  cruelty  by  saying,  that  "if 
they  suffered  them  to  live  to  grow  up,  they  would  become 
popish  rebels."  **  Many  women  were  found  hanging  on 
trees,  with  their  children  at  their  breasts,  strangled  by  the 
mother's  hair." — Lombard.  Comment,  de  Hibern.,  p.  535, 
in  note  apud  Curry,  Hist.  Review,  p.  2  7. 

Q.  What  illustrious  personages  were  put  to  death  on 
account  of  their  religion  ? 

A.  Patrick  Healy,  Bishop  of  Mayo,  racked  and  stran- 
gled, 1578;  Dr.  Hurley,  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  hanged, 
1584;  and  Richard  Creagh,  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  Pri- 
mate of  all  Ireland,  poisoned  in  the  Tower  of  London, 
1585.  Besides  these,  scores  of  bishops  and  priests  were 
barbarously  hanged,  drawn,  and  quartered  for  the  faith," 
in  different  parts  of  the  country. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Hugh  ONeilly  A.D.  1588  to  1615. 

jHAT  revived  the  hopes  of  the  Irish  after  the 
Geraldine  war  ? 

A.  No  sooner  had  the  Geraldine  League 
been  washed  out  with  the  blood  of  its  chiefs, 
than  a  new  source  of  hope  presented  itself  to  poor  bleed- 
ing Ireland.  A  vast  naval  expedition,  known  as  the 
Spanish  or  invincible  armada,  was  fitted  out  against 
England  by  Philip  II.,  of  Spain.  It  consisted  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty-five  vessels  of  war,  ten  thousand 
sailors,  and  nineteen  thousand  soldiers,  together  with 
immense  stores, 

Q.  What  was  the  fate  of  this  expedition  ? 

A.  Soon  after  leaving  Spain,  the  fleet  encountered  a 
violent  storm,  lost  its  admiral,  and  was  partly  defeated 
by  the  enemy.  Then,  on  approaching  England,  it  was 
dispersed  in  a  great  storm,  and  nineteen  large  vessels 
and  several  thousand  men  were  lost  on  the  coast  of 
Ireland.  y 

Q.  What  celebrated  man  flourished  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Hugh  O'Neill,  nephew  of  Conn,  the  late  Earl  of 
Ulster. 

A.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  brave,  able,  and  accomplished,  and  was  the 
first  Irish  leader  who  knew  how  to  use  "policy"  in  his 
dealings  with  the  crafty  English. 


-.^ 


l8a  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  caused  him  to  be  suspected  by  the  govern- 
ment ? 

A.  He  was  mistrusted  because  he  gave  shelter  and 
assistance  to  the  Spaniards,  who  had  been  shipwrecked 
on  the  coast  of  Ulster  during  the  late  expedition. 

Q.  What  led  him  to  prepare  for  war  ? 

A.  He  saw  how  English  adventurers  were  plundering 
and  executing  one  native  chief  after  another  ;  and  know- 
ing that  his  own  estates  were  eagerly  coveted  by  them,  he 
determined  to  arm  and  be  prepared  for  every  emergency. 

Q.  Did  he  rely  solely  on  his  own  resources  ? 

A.  No ;  he  organized  a  confederacy  which  -  included 
nearly  all  the  Irish  princes ;  but  his  principal  allies  were 
Maguire  of  Fermanagh,  and  Hugh  Roe  O'Donnell  of 
Tyrconnell. 

Q.  How  did  the  war  begin  ? 

A.  O'Neill  surprised  a  fort  on  the  Blackwater,  and  es- 
tablished an  entrenched  camp;  while  O'Donnell  over- 
ran Longford,  and,  entering  Connaught,  drove  out  the 
undertakers,  a.d.  1594. 

Q.  Who  won  the  first  battle  in  the  war  thus  inaugurated  ? 

A.  The  first  engagement  took  place  at  Clontibret, 
where  O'Neill  routed  the  army  of  Sir  John  Norris.  The 
Irish  were  likewise  successful  at  Stradbally  Bridge,  and  at 
Armagh,  a.d.,  1595. 

Q.  Did  success  continue  to  crown  their  efforts  ? 

A.  Yes ;  they  were  victorious  at  Drumflinch,  where 
Lord  Borough,  the  deputy,  and  his  chief  officers  lost  their 
lives  ;  and  in  West  Meath,  where  Captain  Richard  Tyrrell 
slew  one  thousand  Anglo-Irish  in  the  pass  which  still 
bears  his  name.  In  1598  Ormond,  the  lord-lieutenant, 
was  routed  at  Leix,  and  lost  four  hundred  men ;  but  the 
greatest   defeat   suffered   by  the  English  was  at  Yellow 


-if''«f:-'5! 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  183 

Ford,  near  Armagh,  where  Marshal  Bagnal  was  slain  with 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  of  his  men.  The  Irish  on 
this  occasion  lost  but  eight  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded. 
Aug.  15,  1598. 

Q.  Who  was  now  appointed  to  command  the  queen's 
troops  ? 

A.  Robert,  Earl  of  Essex,  son  of  the  famous  under- 
taker, was  next  sent  against  O'Neill.  Besides  two  thou- 
sand horse  and  twenty  thousand  foot  soldiers,  he  received 
the  immense  siim  of  three  hundred  and  forty  thousand 
pounds  yearly  with  which  to  carry  on  the  war. 

Q.  Were  the  Irish  able  to  oppose  this  force?     • 

A.  They  were  not ;  but  Essex  divided  his  army,  and 
the  Irish,  avoiding  a  general  engagement,  obtained  several 
successes  by  cutting  off  his  detachments. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  the  triumphs. 

A.  In  a  skirmish  with  the  O'Moores  of  Leix,  Essex  lost 
five  hundred  men,  and,  to  this  day,  the  place  of  the  en- 
gagement is  called  "The  Pass  of  the  Plumes,"  from  the 
number  of  feathers  left  there  by  his  cavalrymen ;  in 
Wicklow  the  O' Byrnes  overthrew  another  detachment ; 
and  in  the  Carlow  mountains.  Sir  Conyers  Clifford,  gover- 
nor of  Connaught,  was  killed  with  one  thousand  four  hun- 
dred of  his  men,  by  O'Ruark  and  O'Donnell,  whose  loss 
was  but  one  hundred  and  forty. 

Q.  What  did  Essex  do  after  these  reverses  ? 

A.  He  made  a  tnice  with  O'Neill,  and  then  hastened  to 
England  to  appease  the  queen  ;  but  on  his  arrival  he  tvas 
sent  to  the  Tower,  where  he  was  soon  afterwards  be- 
headed. 

Q.  Who  was  the  next  lord-deputy  ? 

A.  Charles  Blount,  better  known  as  Lord  Mpantjoy,  a. 
D.  1600.  -i^;     :;: 


l84  CATECHISM   OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  course  did  this  man  pursue  ? 

A.  He  made  a  freer  use  of  "  art  and  cunning"  than  of 
arms,  thus  carrying  out  Lord  Bacon's  advice,  viz. :  first, 
to  divide  his  enemies,  and  then  to  conquer  them.  To 
accomph'sh  this,  various  base  means  were  used  ;  "  sham 
and  counterfeit  letters,"  written  by  Sir  George  Carew ; 
bribes  offered  to  the  lesser  princes ;  prices  placed  on  the 
heads  of  the  leaders,  and  assassination  when  all  else  failed. 

Q.  What  was  the  effect  of  such  wicked  policy  ? 

A.  The  result  was  most  deplorable.  Thus  a  "  Queen's 
O'Reilly  "  was  raised  up  in  Cavan  ;  a  "  Queen's  Maguire," 
in  P'ermanagh  ;  and  so  on  throughout  the  land.  Among 
those  lured  by  promises  of  reward  was  the  able  but  impe- 
rious Niall  Garve  O'Donnell,  who  had  up  to  this  time  done 
good  service  for  his  country. 

Q.  What  brave  leader  did  the  Irish  lose  ? 

A.  The  gallant  Maguire,  who  was  mortally  wounded  in 
single  combat  with  Marshal  St.  Leger,  whom  he  slew. 

Q.  What  assistance  did  O'Neill  receive  ? 

A.  In  1 60 1,  about  three  thousand  Spaniards  landed  in 
Munster,  and  took  possession  of  Kinsale. 

Q.  How  did  the  rival  commanders  act. 

A.  Mountjoy  hastened  to  invest  the  place  with  a  large 
fleet,  and  an  army  of  fifteen  thousand  men,  while  O'Neill 
and  O'Donnell  came  to  its  aid  with  a  force  numbering 
about  seven  thousand. 

Q.  Did  the  Irish  risk  a  battle  ? 

A.  Yes ;  urged  by  tee  repeated  entreaties  of  Don  Joan, 
the  Spanish  general,  O'Neill  reluctantly  consented  to 
attack  the  superior  force  of  Mountjoy,  and,  had  not  his 
plans  been  betrayed  to  the  enemy,  the  result  jnight  have 
been  successful. 

Q.  Was  O'Neill  defeated  ? 


':/'?-w"''" 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.     '       185 

A.  He  was,  with  the  loss  of  one  thousand  two  hundred 
men,  besides  several  prisoners  whom  the  English  slew  in 
cold  blood.  O'Neill  then  withdrew  to  Ulster,  and  Kin- 
sale  was  surrendered  by  the  Spaniards. 

Q.  How  was  O'Neill  deprived  of  his  principal  ally? 

A.  O'Donnell  was  dispatched  to  implore  the  king  of 
Spain  for  further  assistance,  but  he  was  stricken  with  fever 
at  Simancas,  and  died  on  the  loth  of  September,  1602,  in 
the  twenty-ninth  year  of  his  age  ? 

Q.  What  took  place  at  Dunboy  ? 

A.  At  the  castle  of  Dunboy  one  hundred  and  forty-three 
men  under  Richard  Mac  Geoghegan  held  four  thousand 
English  veterans  in  check  during  eleven  days.  In  vain 
did  Carew  swear  and  offer  his  bribes;  the  brave  defenders 
died  one  by  one  at  their  post  till  but  fifty-eight  survived, 
and  these,  overpowered  by  numbers,  were  haHged  in  the 
English  camp,  so  that  not  one  of  that  heroic  band  escaped 
alive. 

Q.  To  what  condition  had  the  war  reduced  the  coun- 
try ? 

A.  The  whole  island  was  in  a  frightful  state  of  desola- 
tion ;  and  death,  either  by  famine,  or  the  sword,  was  the 
usual  fate  of  the  inhabitants. 

Q.  Give  an  instance  showing  the  perfidy  of  the  English 
queen  ? 

A.- Jn  «6o2,  she  issued  a  proclamation  that  all  priests 
should  leave  the  country,  and,  to  enable  them  to  do  so,  she 
promised  them  a  free  passage.  Fifty-one  monks  accepted 
this  offer,  but  when  they  were  in  mid-ocean,  all  were 
flung  into  the  sea,  in  accordance  with  private  instnictions 
received  from  Elizabeth. 

Q.  Were  these  ihe  only  ones  put  to  death  for  the  faith 
by  this  wicked  queen  ? 


1 86  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  No ;  all  through  her  reign  bishops  and  priests  were 
slaughtered  in  great  numbers. 

Q.  Did  Catholic  education  suffer  much  under  Eliza- 
beth ? 

A.  Yes ;  Catholics  were  not  permitted  to  have  their 
own  schools,  or  to  educate  their  own  children.  They 
remedied  this,  however,  by  founding  seminaries  at  Sala- 
manca, in  1582,  at  Lisbon,  in  1595,  at  Douay,  in  1596, 
and  at  Bordeaux,  in  1603. 

Q.  What  institution  did  the  Protestants  found  to  pro- 
mote their  views  ? 

A.  They  established  Trinity  College,  on  the  site  of  the 
ancient  Monastery  of  All  Hallows,  a.d.  1601. 

Q.  Did  O'Neill  continue  the  war  ? 

A.  He  did  for  some  time  longer,  but  at  length,  being 
unwilling  to  increase  the  sufferings  of  his  country  by  pro- 
longing the  contest,  he  accepted  honorable  terms  from 
Mountjoy,  and  submitted  to  Elizabeth,  who  died  before 
the  good  news  reached  her. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Elizabeth  ?  "^ 

A.  James  VI.  of  Scotland,  who  took  the  title  of 
"James  the  First,  King  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland." 

Q.  What  measures  did  he  carry  into  effect  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  He  enforced  the  penal  laws,  abolished  Tanistry  and 
Gavelkind,  and  divided  the  whole  kingdom  into  judicial 
circuits,  presided  over  by  English  judges. 

Q,  How  did  O'Neill  become  the  victim  of  artifice  ? 

A.  An  anonymous  letter  was  dropped  in  the  Council 
Chamber  at  Dublin  Castle,  containing  charges  of  high 
treason  against  him  and  O'Donnell,  Earl  of  Tyrconnell,  on 
the  ground  that  they  had  attended  a  meeting  of  Catholic 
gentlemen. 

Q.  What  course  did  the  accused  pursue  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  187 

A.  Although  innocent  of  the  charge  of  treason,  they 
knew  that  the  government  had  resolved  on  their  destruc- 
tion, and  that  a  jury  could  easily  be  packed  fo  convict 
them,  and  hence  they  fled  to  the  continent,  a.d.  1607. 

Q.  What  other  event  marks  this  year  ? 

A.  O'Doherty,  Prince  of  Innishowen,  received  a  gross 
insult  from  Paulett,  Governor  of  Derry,  and  at  once  flew 
to  arms,  and,  putting  the  garrison  of  Derry  to  the  sword, 
wiped  out  the  affront  in  the  blood  of  its  author.  This 
outbreak  lasted  but  a  few  months,  and  the  young  chief, 
who  was  scarcely  twenty-one,  atoned  for  his  rashness  with 
his  life. 

Q.  What  was  the  fate  of  O'Neill  and  his  companions  ? 

A.  The  year  made  memorable  by  the  "flight  of  the 
earls,"  is  also  noted  for  that  of  the  death  of  most  of  them. 
In  July,  O'Donnell  died  at  Rome ;  in  August,  Maguire  ex- 
pired at  Genoa ;  and  in  September,  another  was  laid  in  his 
grave.  O'Neill  himself  lingered  on  eight  weary  years  at 
Rome,  and  died  an  exile  among  strangers,  leaving  only  &i 
imperishable  name,  a.d.  16 16. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Confiscation  and  Extortion,  A.Z>.,i6oS  to  1641. 

I  HAT  occurred  in  Ulster  after  the  "flight  of 
the  earls  ?  " 

A.  All  the  six  counties  of  Ulster  were  con- 
fiscated by  a  royal  commission  under  Sir  Wil- 
liam Parsons.  L 

Q.  How  did  the  government  dispose  of  them  ? 

A.  Certain  regulations  were  drawn  up  under  the  title  of 
"  Orders  and  Conditions  of  Planters,"  by  which  the  six 
counties  were  to  be  settled  by  "  colonies  of  civil  men  well 
affected  in  religion." 

Q.  Who  obtained  grants  ? 

A.  The  Protestant  bishops  of  Ulster  got  forty-three 
thousand  acres ;  Trinity  College,  thirty  thousand  acres ; 
the  trades-union  associations  of  London,  two  hundred  and 
nine  thousand  eight  hundred  acres,  including  the  city  of 
Derry,  which  they  rebuilt  and  called  Londonderry.  Pri- 
vate individuals  received  the  remainder  in  sections  of  one 
thousand,  one  thousand  five  hundred,  and  two  thousand 
acres  each — in  all,  about  three  hundred  and  eighty-five 
thousand  acres. 

Q.  What  was  one  of  the  conditions  under  which  the 
land  was  given  ? 

A.  The  main  condition  was,  that  no  one  refusing  to 


CATECHISM  OF  tklSIt  HISTORY.  189 

take  the  oath  of  supremacy,  should  be  suflFeied  to  reside 
thereon,  thereby  excluding  all  Catholics. 

Q.  Was  the  confiscation  just  and  lawful? 

A.  No ;  but  contrary  to  all  law  and  justice.  To  give 
some  appearance  of  legality  to  his  robbery,  King  James 
sought  the  sanction  of  his  parliament  in  1613. 

Q.  Did  this  assembly  approve  of  the  king's  conduct  ? 

A.  Not  until  he  had  packed  it  by  the  creation  of  forty 
new  boroughs  in  one  day.  The  new  members,  being  his 
creatures,  supported  the  king. 

Q.  What  new  scheme  for  plunder  did  James  concoct  ? 

A.  He  formed  "  The  Commission  for  the  Discovery  of 
Defective  Titles,"  to  detect  pretended  flaws  in  the  deeds 
of  property  holders,  in  order  that  he  might  seize  the  land, 
or  compel  the  owners  to  pay  heavily  for  new  titles. 

Q.  Who  presided  over  this  commission  ? 

A.  Sir  William  Parsons,  a  great  bigot,  who  had  come  to 
Ireland  in  a  menial  condition. 

Q.  By  what  means  did  Parsons  procure  evidence  ? 

A.  By  taking  a  horde  of  spies  and  "discoverers"  into 
his  pay,  and  by  torturing  witnesses  in  the  most  cruel  man- 
ner. Thus,  in  the  case  of  the  O' Byrnes  of  Wicklow,  one 
gentleman,  named  Archer,  was  placed  on  a  gridiron  over 
a  charcoal  fire,  and  had  his  body  burned  with  hot  irons  till 
he  testified  whatever  Parsons  wanted. 

Q.  What  was  the  fruit  of  this  barbarity  ? 

A.  The  king  obtained  four  hundred  and  fifty-one  thou- 
sand acres  in  Leinster. 

Q.  Did  James  meditate  other  confiscations  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  he  had  the  Scotch  itch  for  money,  and  it  was 
his  intention  to  confiscate  Connaught  also ;  but  before  he 
could  effect  his  purpose,  he  was  cut  off  by  death,  and  suc- 
ceeded by  his  son  Charles  I.,  a.d.  1625. 


190  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  How  did  the  new  king  treat  his  Irish  subjects  ? 

A.  Like  his  father,  he  never  ceased  to  rob  and  perse- 
cute them. 

Q.  What  step  did  some  Catholic  gentlemen  take  at  this 
time  ? 

A.  They  held  a  meeting  in  Dublin,  and  being  joined  by 
several  Protestants  of  rank,  they  sent  a  petition  to  the 
king,  requesting  him  to  grant  the  people  certain  rights, 
mildly  called  "graces." 

Q.   Enumerate  these  graces. 

A.  Free  trade  ;  equal  justice  ;  security  of  property ;  the 
prevention  of  military  excesses ;  a  mitigation  of  the  ex- 
cesses practised  by  the  parsons ;  the  abolition  of  ecclesi- 
astical prisons,  and  a  general  free  pardon  for  past  of- 
fences. 

Q.  What  did  the  petitioners  offer  for  these  conces- 
sions ? 

A.  They  agreed  to  give  the  king  the  sum  of  one  hun- 
dred thousand  pounds,  then  equal  to  ten  times  that 
amount  at  present. 

Q.  Did  Charles  take  the  money  ? 

A.  He  did,  and  several  thousand  pounds  sterling  in  ad- 
dition. 

Q.  Did  he  grant  the  graces  ? 

A.  He  did  not ;  for  the  reason  that  he  feared  the  en- 
mity of  the  Protestant  clergy. 

Q.  How  did  the  Protestant  bishops  meddle  in  this  af- 
fair ? 

A.  They  declared  with  great  bigotry  and  ill  manners 
that  •'  to  grant  papists  a  toleration,  or  to  consent  that 
they  may  freely  exercise  their  religion,  and  profess  their 
faith  and  doctrines,  was  a  grievous  sin,"  therefore,  they 
prayed  God  *•  to  make  those  in  authority  zealous,  reso- 


.'■y^f^'^-  ■_.-  -    ■•----'■■  '  ^\~-~ 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  191 

lute,  and  courageous,  against  all  popery,  superstition, 
and  idolatry,"  which  terms  they  applied  to  the  Catholic 
religion. 

Q.  By  whom  was  Charles  guided  ? 

A.  By  Thomas  Wentworth,  Earl  of  Strafford,  who  advised 
him  not  to  grant  the  graces,  and  promised  to  take  the 
blame  upon  himself. 

Q.  How  was  this  man  rewarded  ? 

A.  He  was  made  lord-lieutenant  of  Ireland,  and  was 
thus  enabled  to  render  other  vile  services  to  his  master, 
which  he  did  by  remitting  him  several  hundred  thousand 
pounds  sterling,  which  he  had  extorted  from  the  Irish 
parliament  under  the  title  of  "  Voluntary  Contributions." 

Q.  In  what  other  way  did  he  obtain  money  ? 

A.  He  sent  the  "Commission  on  Defective  Titles" 
into  Connaught,  and  the  result  was  that  several  counties 
were  declared  forfeited  to  the  crown. 

Q.  How  was  this  brought  about  ? 

A.  The  judges  were  bribed  with  four  shillings  in  the 
pound,  on  the  first  year's  rental  of  all  estates,  if  a  verdict 
were  found  for  the  king ;  the  juries  were  packed,  bribed, 
and  intimidated,  and,  if  conscientious  in  their  decisions, 
they  were  fined,  pilloried,  and  even  mutilated ;  the  people, 
meanwhile,  were  overawed  by  a  strong  military  force  which 
surrounded  these  courts  of  injustice. 

Q.  Did  these  measures  always  secure  a  favorable  ver- 
dict? 

A.  With  few  exceptions  they  did.  On  one  occasion,  in 
Galway,  when  the  decision  was  against  the  government, 
the  opposing  lawyers  were  degraded,  the  juries  fined  four 
thousand-  pounds  each,  and  the  sheriff,  after  being  sen- 
tenced to  pay  one  thousand  pounds,  was  left  to  die  in 
prison. 


192  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  How  could  proprietors  save  their  estates  ? 

A.  By  redeeming  them. 

Q.  What  new  injustice  did  Strafford  invent? 

A.  He   instituted   a   tribunal   called    "The   Court  of 
Wards,"  which  had  authority  to  take  Catholic  children,  and 
bring  them  up  in  the  Protestant  religion. 
.    Q.  Wliat  became  of  this  tyrant  ? 

A.  After  harassing  Ireland  for  seven  years,  he  was  at 
length  recalled  to  England,  where  he  was  soon  afterwards 
impeached,  and  executed  by  order  of  the  Puritan  parlia- 
ment, for  favoring  the  king,  a.d.  1640. 

Q.  What  declaration  was  made  by  the  Irish  parlia- 
ment ? 

A.  The  parliament  of  Ireland,  wrought  into  despera- 
tion by  Strafford,  at  length  resolved  unanimously,  in  1641, 
that  the  subjects  of  Ireland  "were  a  free  people,  to  be 
governed  only  by  the  common  law  of  England,  and  the 
sta*ules  made  and  established  in  the  kingdom  of  Ireland, 
and  according  to  the  lawful  customs  used  in  the  same." 

Q.  What  nobleman  left  his  country  to  enjoy  religious 
freedom  in  America  ? 

A.  Lord  Baltimore,  an  Irish  Catholic  peer,  who  estab- 
lished a  settlement  on  the  Potomac,  in  Maryland,  Febru- 
ary 24fh,  A.D.  1634.  Though  Virginia  had  been  settled 
by  the  Episcopalians,  New  York  by  the  Dutch,  and  Mas- 
sachusetts by  the  Puritans,  still  the  Catholic  colony  of 
Maryland  was  the  only  one,  at  that  time,  which  granted 
religious  liberty  to  all  classes  of  Christians. 

Q.  What  Irishmen  deserve  honor  for  the  part  they  took 
in  preserving  the  history  of  their  country  ? 

A.  Rev.  Hugh  Ward,  of  St.  Anthony's,  Louvain,  who 
sent  the  Rev.  Michael  O'Cleary  to  Ireland,  to  collect  ma- 
terials for  a  work  on  the  Irish  saints,  a.d.  1655 ;  Fergal 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  193 

O'Gara,  Prince  of  Cooloviun,  and  patron  of  Michael 
O'Cleary,  chief  of  the  Four  Masters. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Four  Masters  ? 

A.  They  were  the  compilers  of  an  immense  work  on 
the  sacred  and  profane  "  AnnaU  of  the  Ancient  Kingdom 
of  Ireland."  Their  names  are  Cucogry  O'Cleary,  Perfeasa 
O'Mulconry,  Cucogry  O'Duigenan,  and  Michael  O'Cleary, 
1580-1643. 

Q.  When  did  they  complete  their  labors  ? 

A.  They  began  in  the  Convent  of  Donegal,  on  the  22d 
of  January,  1632,  and  finished  on  the  loth  of  August,  1636. 
In  memory  of  them,  their  great  work  is  commonly  called 
the  "Annals  of  the  Four  Masters." 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  Catholic  Confederation,  A.D.  1641  to  1660. 

I  HO  were  the  Puritans  ? 

A.  The  Puritans  were  a  set  of  fanatics 
who  rose  to  power  in  England  and  Scotland 
in  the  reign  of  Charles  I.  They  were  fol- 
lowers of  Calvin,  and  so  intolerant  that  they  enforced 
their  views  by  penal  laws  and  the  free  use  of  the  sword. 

Q.  How  did  their  success  affect  Ireland  ? 

A.  Having  obtained  control  of  the  government,  their 
leaders  declared  that  •'  they  would  not  leave  a  priest  in 
Ireland,"  and  that  "  their  conversion  would  be  effected 
with  the  sword  in  one  hand  and  the  Bible  in  the  other." 

Q.  Were  these  threats  made  by  those  in  authority  ? 

A.  Yes ;  Lord  Clarendon  says  that  the  Puritan  leaders 
"  had  sworn  to  extirpate  the  whole  Irish  nation,"  and 
Carte  affirms  that  "  the  lords-justices  had  set  their  hearts 
on  the  extirpation,  not  only  of  the  mere  Irish,  but  like- 
wise of  all  the  English  families  that  were  Roman  Catho- 
lics." 

Q.  What  measures  did  the  Catholics  take  for  their 
safety  ? 

A.  A  gentleman  named  Roger  Moore  induced  the 
native  Catholics  to  unite  for  mutual  defence.  Accord- 
ingly, on  the  23d  of  October,  1641,  they  anticipated  their 
enemies,  and  took  the  field  under  Sir  Phelim  O'Neill. 

Q.  What  did  O'Neill  do  on  that  day  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  1 95 

A.  He  declared  by  proclamation  that  the  object  of  the 
Catholics  was  not  hostiUty  "  to  any  subjects,  either  Eng- 
lish or  Scotch,  but  only  the  defence  and  liberties  of  the 
Irish  natives  of  this  kingdom." 

Q.  Was  this  declaration  true  ? 

A.  It  was,  most  undoubtedly ;  but,  as  a  set-off  to  the 
wholesale  slaughter  committed  by  themselves  during  the 
war,  the  Puritans  afterwards  pretended  that  a  great 
slaughter  of  Englishmen  took  place  on  the  day  of  the 
rising. 

Q.  Were  there  any  grounds  for  this  charge  ? 

A.  No  ;  there  were  none  whatever,  as  is  proved  from 
the  testimony  of  respectable  Protestant  historians,  and 
from  the  contradictory  and  irreconcilable  statements  of 
those  who  afterwards  made  the  charge.  Besides,  there 
is  no  mention  of  any  such  massacre  in  the  despatches  of 
the  lords-lieutenants  of  the  time,  and  these  functionaries, 
certainly,  would  not  miss  the  opportunity  of  exciting  hate 
against  the  rebels,  as  they  styled  the  Catholics,  if  the 
charges  were  true. 

Q.  Where  was  the  first  massacre  committed  ? 

A.  At  Island  Magee,  where  three  thousand  men, 
women,  and  children  were  put  to  death  in  one  night  by 
the  Scotch  garrison  of  Carrickfergus,  which  came  upon 
them  suddenly,  November,  1641. 

Q.  Who  was  the  chief  author  of  butcheries  like  this  ? 

A.  Sir  Charles  Coote,  who  declared  that  he  would  not 
spare  even  a  babe,  though  "  it  were  but  a  span  long." 
This  child-slayer  kept  his  word  faithfully  ;  but,  as  might 
be  expected,  he  extended  his  hate  to  adults  also.  Thus, 
by  his  orders,  nineteen  persons  were  massacred  near 
Dublin,  and  fifty -six  drowned  in  the  bay  of  that  city. 

Q.  What  was  the  effect  of  these  atrocities  ? 


196  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

A.  The  Catholic  lords  of  the  Pale  met  the  native 
leaders  at  the  hill  of  Crofty  on  December  8th,  and,  on. 
being  assured  that  their  object  was  "  to  maintain  the 
royal  prerogative,  and  make  the  subjects  of  Ireland  as 
free  as  those  of  England,"  they,  too,  joined  the  national 
cause. 

Q.  How  did  the  English  parliament  raise  money  ? 

A.  It  confiscated  two  million  five  hundred  thousand 
acres  of  land  from  Catholics,  and  then,  having  sold  them 
to  Protestants  for  one  million  pounds,  it  was  thus  enabled 
to  put  a  large  army  in  the  field. 

Q.  Who  took  command  of  the  government  forces  ? 

A.  James  Butler,  Duke  of  Ormond,  one  of  the  most 
crafty  and  treacherous  characters  that  ever  appeared  in 
Irish  history. 

Q.  What  orders  did  he  receive  for  the  conduct  of  the 
war? 

A.  The  Council  at  Dublin  Castle  sent  him  the  following 
instruction  : — "  It  is  resolved  that  it  is  fit  that  his  lordship 
do  endeavor  with  his  majesty's  forces  to  wound,  kill,  slay, 
and  destroy,  by  all  the  ways  and  means  he  may,  all  the 
said  rebels,  their  adherents  and  relievers  ;  and  burn,  waste, 
spoil,  consume,  destroy,  and  demolish  all  the  places,  towns, 
and  houses  where  the  said  rebels  are  or  have  been  re- 
lieved or  harbored,  and  all  the  hay  and  corn  there ;  and 
kill  and  destroy  all  the  men  there  inhabiting,  capable  to 
bear  arms."  Given  at  the  Castle  of  Dublin,  on  the  23d 
of  February,  1642. 

Q.  What  encouragement  did  the  native  leaders  receive 
from  the  clergy  ? 

A.  On  the  22d  of  March,  1642,  the  bishops  of  the 
Synod  of  Kells  pronounced  the  war  "just  and  lawful," 
and  forbade  all  unnecessary  violence. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  197 

Q.  What  convention  was  held  by  the  Catholics  ? 

A.  On  the  loth  of  May  following,  the  bishops,  lords, 
and  commons  of  Ireland  held  a  convention,  at  Kilkenny, 
and  organized  a  regular  form  of  government,  called  "  The 
Catholic  Confederation."  The  supreme  power  was  vested 
in  a  council  composed  of  three  archbishops,  two  bishops, 
four  lords,  and  fifteen  commoners.  Lord  Mountgarret  was 
made  president  of  this  council. 

Q.  To  what  did  the  Confederates  bind, themselves  ? 

A.  They  took  an  oath  by  which  they  bound  themselves 
to  maintain  the  fundamental  laws  of  Ireland,  the  free  ex- 
ercise of  the  Catholic  religion,  and  never  to  accept  any 
peace  without  the  consent  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Catholics  of  Ireland. 

Q.  What  accessions  were  made  to  the  national  army  ? 

A.  Hundreds  of  soldiers  serving  in  France  and  Spain 
now  hastened  to  the  assistance  of  their  struggling  country. 
Thus,  on  July.  6th,  Colonel  Owen  Roe  O'Neill  landed  in 
Donegal  with  one  hundred  officers  and  a  supply  of  ammu- 
nition ;  and  in  September,  Colonel  Thomas  Preston 
arrived  at  Wexford  with  five  hundred  officers,  a  number 
of  engineers,  and  a  quantity  of  military  stores. 

Q.  Who  were  flie  prmcipal  leaders  on  the  Catholic 
side  ? 

A.  At  a  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  held  October 
23d,  Owen  Roe  O'Neill  was  appointed  to  carry  on  the 
war  in  Ulster  ;  Thomas  Preston,  in  Leinster ;  Gerald 
Barry,  in  Munster  ;  and  John  Burke,  in  Connaught. 

Q.  Give  a  summary  of  the  war  for  the  first  two  years. 

A.  Besides  obtaining  possession  of  the  greater  portion 
of  the  island,  the  Confederates  were  successful  at  Portles- 
ter,  Kilworth,  and  Galway ;  but  they  were  defeated  at 
Kilrush,   Liscarroll,  Ballynakill,   Rathconnell,  and  Ard- 


I 


1^    i       CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

more,  where  one  hundred  and  forty  persons  were  massa- 
cred in  cold  blood. 

Q.  What  put  an  end  to  hostilities- for  a  time? 

A.  On  the  13th  of  September,  1643,  the  Anglo-Irish 
majority  of  the  Supreme  Council  signed  a  twelve  months' 
truce  with  Ormond  at  Castlemartin,  and,  in  gratitude  for 
this  supposed  favor,  they  agreed  to  supply  King  Charles 
with  thirty  thousand  pounds  in  money,  and  provisions  to 
assist  him  against  the  Puritans,  who  were  up  in  arms. 
By  the  diplomacy  of  Ormond  the  truce  was  prolonged  foi 
half  a  year. 

Q.  How  did  the  Puritans  act  in  the  meanwhile  ? 

A.  They  protested  loudly  against  making  peace  with 
papists,  and  ordered  Gen.  Monroe  to  break  the  truce, 
which  he  did  by  taking  Newry,  and  putting  to  death  sixty 
men,  eighteen  women,  and  two  ecclesiastics.  After  this 
he  enriched  his  own  country  by  the  immense  booty  he 
sent  from  Antrim  to  Scotland,  one  item  alone  being  nine 
thousand  head  of  cattle.  * 

Q.  Did  the  Catholics  desire  peace  ? 

A.  The  native  Irish  did  not,  but  those  of  English  or 
Anglo-Norman  descent  desired  ardently  to  be  reconciled 
with  their  kin.  Hence,  by  their  influence,  deputies  were 
sent  to  the  king  to  inform  him  that  his  dutiful  Catholic 
subjects  would  lay  down  their  arms  if  the  penal  laws  were 
repealed.  Charles  would  probably  have  promised  this, 
had  he  not  feared  the  Puritans,  who  demanded  that  all 
these  enactments  be  strictly  enforced. 

Q.  What  order  did  the  English  parliament  issue  to  its 
officers  carrying  on  the  war  ? 

A.  It  issued  the  "  No  Quarter  Act,"  which  is  as  follows  : 
"  The  lords  and  commons,  assembled  in  the  parliament 
of  England,  do  declare  that  no  quarter  shall  be  given  to 


:tS^'-- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  199 

any  Irishman,  or  to  any  papist  born  in  Ireland,  which  shall 
be  taken  in  hostility  against  the  parliament,  either  upon 
sea,  or  within  the  kingdom  or  dominion  of  Wales ;  and, 
therefore,  do  order  that  the  lord-general,  the  lord-admi- 
ral, and  all  other  officers  and  commanders,  both  by  sea 
and  land,  shall  except  all  Irishmen  and  all  papists  born  in 
Ireland,  out  of  all  capitulation  hereafter  to  be  made  with 
the  enemy,  and  shall,  upon  the  taking  of  every  such  Irish- 
man and  papist  born  in  Ireland,  as  aforesaid,  forthwith  put 
every  such  person  to  death."    a.d.  1644. 

Q.  Did  this  infamous  order  open  the  eyes  of  the  Catho- 
lics ? 

A.  No ;  despite  this  bloody  edict  of  parliament,  Or- 
n^ond,  the  king's  representative,  still  managed  to  mis- 
lead the  majority  of  the  Confederates  by  his  promises. 

Q.  Were  any  Irish  in  the  service  of  the  king  ? 

A.  Yes ;  at  this  time  fifteen  hundred  of  them  were  serv- 
ing in  Scotland,  where  they  won  a  succession  of  victories 
over  the  king's  enemies. 

Q.  Were  the  Confederates  in  Ireland  equally  fortu- 
nate? 

A.  No  ;  the  strong  fort  of  Duncannon  was  surrendered 
to  the  Puritans,  by  an  Englishman,  and  the  town  of  Sligo 
was  carried  by  assault,  October  26th,  1645.  Despite 
these  losses,  however,  the  Catholics  were  much  encour- 
aged by  the  arrival  of  John  Baptist  Rinuccini,  Archbishop 
of  Fermo,  who  landed  in  Munster  as  nuncio  of  Innocent 
X.,  with  a  supi^ly  of  arms  and  money. 

Q.  What  took  place  within  the  next  few  months  ? 

A.  There  arose  two  parties  in  the  Supreme  Council — 
the  Anglo-Irish,  who  wished  to  deal  gently  with  the  govern- 
ment ;  and  the  native  Irish,  headed  by  the  nuncio,  who 
advocated  the  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  war.     The 


zoo  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

former  had  been  deceived  by  Ormond ;  but,  nevertheless, 
like  penitent  children,  they  longed  for  a  reconciliation. 
When,  therefore,  the  king  sent  them  Herbert,  Earl  of 
Glamorgan,  they  concluded  a  treaty  with  him  which 
secured  to  them  equal  rights,  civil  and  religious,  March 
28th,  1646.  Then  to  show  their  loyalty,  they  voted  six 
thousand  troops  to  assist  Charles  against  his  enemies ; 
but  to  their  astonishment,  when  the  treaty  was  made  pub- 
lic, the  king  disavowed  it. 

Q.  What  misfortune  overtook  the  faithless  Charles  ? 

A.  His  subjects  rose  in  rebellion,  and  defeated  his 
troops  in  several  battles;  at  last  he  was  forced  to  seek 
refuge  among  the  Scotch,  who  sold  him  to  his  own  parlia- 
ment for  the  sum  of  four  hundred  thousand  pounds. 

Q.  Which  was  the  greatest  battle  fought  during  this 
war? 

A.  That  of  Benburb,  where  Owen  Roe  O'Neill,  with  five 
thousand  native  troops,  defeated  General  Monroe,  at  the 
head  of  eight  thousand  Puritans.  In  this  battle  the  loss 
on  the  Catholic  side  was  but  seventy  killed  and  two  hun- 
dred wounded,  whereas  on  that  of  the  enemy  it  was  three 
thousand  two  hundred  and  forty-three,  with  several  pris- 
oners, thirty- two  standards,  and  an  immense  quantity  of 
guns,  tents,  ammunition,  etc.,  June  4th,  1646. 

Q.  Did  the  Confederates  continue  to  prosper  ? 

A.  They  did  for  a  time ;  but,  at  length,  the  rival  par- 
ties in  the  Supreme  Council  came  to  an  open  rupture, 
and  to  this  alone  must  be  attributed  their  subsequent 
failure  at  Dublin  and  elsewhere.  Then,  owing  to  the 
influence  of  the  Anglo-Catholics,  the  war  languished  for 
two  years,  when  Rinuccini  left  the  country  in  disgust, 
February,  1649.  Six  months  later,  the  Puritans  defeated 
Ormond  at  Rathmines,  and  then   Oliver  Cromwell,  the 


■^TsTi^f-'  •"■  -      "   '--.f.-'-v-: ""«-.'-■  "/-.-'  -^  .-7.:<-::;;ir:-|^--:?jiC--,- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  201 

famous  Puritan  general,  landed  at  Dublin  with  fovuleen 
thousand»men,  to  put  an  end  to  the  struggle. 

Q.  For  what  is  Cromwell's  career  in  Ireland  noted  ? 

A.  It  is  remarkable  for  the  amount  of  blood  which  he 
shed  in  a  few  months.  Thus,  at  Drogheda,  although 
quarter  had  been  promised,  the  work  of  slaughter  lasted 
five  days,  and  the  three  thousand  men  comprising  the 
garrison  were  put  to  the  sword,  together  with  one  thou- 
sand unresisting  victims,  who  had  sought  refuge  in  the 
great  church.  The  few  who  escaped  death  were  sent  as 
slaves  to  the  Barbadoes,  September  nth.  At  Wexford 
the  enemy  broke  into  the  town  during  a  truce,  and  "  no 
distinction,"  says  Lingard,  "was  made  between  the  de- 
fenceless inhabitants  and  the  armed  soldiers  ;  nor  could 
the  shrieks  of  three  hundred  females,  who  had  gathered 
round  the  great  cross,  preserve  them  from  the  swords  of 
these  ruthless  barbarians."  By  Cromwell  himself  the 
number  slaughtered  here  is  put  down  at  two  thousand, 
including  men,  women,  and  children,  October  i6th. 

Q.  Did  parliament  sanction  the  conduct  of  Cromwell  ? 

A.  Yes ;  on  the  2d  of  October  it  declared  "  that  the 
house  doth  approve  of  the  execution  at  Drogheda,  both  as 
an  act  of.  justice  to  them  and  mercy  to  others  who  may 
be  warned  by  it." 

Q.  What  great  leader  did  the  Irish  lose  at  this  crisis  ? 

A.  Owen  Roe  O'Neill,  who  was  suddenly  struck  down 
by  death  at  Clough-  Oughter  Castle,  as  he  was  marching 
to  meet  Cromwell ;  and  thus  perished  the  only  hope  of 
his  country,  a  victim,  it  is  supposed,  to  the  fear  and  mal- 
ice of  his  enemies,  November  6th,  1645. 

Q.  Did  the* Irish  endeavor  to  protract  the  struggle  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  after  Charles  I.  had  been  beheaded  by  his 
subjects  in  1649,  the  Royalists  proclaimed  the  Prince  of 


202  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Wales  king,  under  the  title  of  Charles  II.  The  Irish 
leaders,  however,  withdrew  their  support  from  him  for 
having  violated  his  promises  to  them,  when  he  found  it 
necessary  to  court  the  favor  of  their  Scotch  enemies,  and, 
as  a  last  resource,  they  invited  the  Duke  of  Loraine  to 
Ireland  as  protector ;  but  Ormond  and  Prince  Charles 
found  means  to  defeat  this  new  move. 

Q.  What  acts  of  tyranny  were  now  committed  ? 

A.  Cromwell  was  installed  as  lord-protector  in  1653, 
whereupon  he  confiscated  three  million  acres  of  land  in 
Ireland,  and  drove  the  native  owners  into  Con  naught, 
where  they  were  pent  up  in  bondage  for  seven  years, 
May  ist,  1654.  "All  of  them  who  after  that  time  should 
be  found  in  any  other  part  of  the  kingdom,  man,  woman, 
or  child,  might  be  killed  by  anybody  who  saw  or  met 
them."  The  total  amount  of  land  confiscated  from  the 
Catholics  under  the  Commonwealth  was  seven  million 
seven  hundred  and  eight  thousand  two  hundred  and 
thirty-seven  acres. 

Q.  What  other  events  are  worthy  of  note  ? 

A.  Forty  thousand  fighting  men  were  forced  to  seek 
shelter  in  foreign  lands  ;  and  at  least  sixty  thousand  boys 
and  girls,  men  and  women,  were  sent  as  slaves  to  Vir- 
ginia, New  England,  and  the  West  India  Islands,  a.d. 
1655.  In  this  year  also  regular  posts  were  first  estab- 
lished in  Ireland. 

Q.  When  did  Cromwell  die  ? 

A.  Cromwell  died  in  1658,  after  having  put  to  death 
three  bishops,  three  hundred  priests,  and  many  thousands 
of  people,  besides  those  slain  in  battle. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  those  who  were  especially  con- 
spicuous during  this  epoch. 

A.  Among    the    Puritans    were    Ireton,   Jones,   and 


-''^TJP'P^- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  203 

O'Brien  or  Inchiquin,  "the  church-burner;"  and  on  the 
side  of  the  Catholics,  Sir  Richard  Belling,  David  Rothe, 
Bishop  of  Ossory,  Heber  McMahon,  Bishop  of  Clogher, 
Rev.  Geoffry  Keating,  the  historian,  and  Father  Luke 
Warding,  one  of  the  most  learned  men  of  his  age. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Protestant  Ascendency^  A.D.  1660  to  1685. 

I  HAT  is  meant  by  "  the  Restoration  "  ? 

A.  This  term  implies  that  the  Stuart  line 
was  restored  to  tne  throne  in  the  person  of 
Charles  H.,  a.d.  1660. 

Q.  What  was  the  policy  of  the  new  king  ? 

A.  He  sought  to  promote  Protestant  interests  by  every 
means  in  his  power. 

Q.  How  did  he  treat  the  Puritans,  who  had  beheaded 
his  father,  and  fought  against  himself? 

A.  In  England  they  received  little  favor ;  but  in  Ire- 
land, strange  to  say,  ihey  were  entrusted  with  the  govern- 
ment, and  confirmed  in  the  possession  of  the  lands  they 
had  seized,  in  order,  it  was  pretended,  that  they  might 
maintain  Protestant  ascendency  in  the  country. 

Q.  Who  was  the  author  of  this  policy  ? 

A.  The  chancellor,  Edward  Hyde,  Earl  of  Clarendon. 

Q.  Was  Charles  II.  under  obligations  to  the  Irish  ? 

A.  Yes ;  and  his  treatment  of  them  was  the  more  base, 
because,  with  few  exceptions,  they  had  always  been  loyal 
to  him,  and  had  died  by  thousands  in  the  service  of  his 
father. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  make  lord-lieutenant  ? 

A.  Ormond,  the  wily  enemy  of  the  Catholics. 

Q.  What  occurred  under  his  administration  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY:  205 

A.  A  parliament  was  held  in  Ireland  for  the  first  time 
in  twenty  years ;  but  the  members  were  chiefly  adventur- 
ers who  had  acquired  estates  from  Cromwell.  After 
securing  the  good-will  of  Ormond  by  a  grant  of  thirty  thou- 
sand pounds,  they  proceeded  to  legislate  in  their  own  favor, 
concerning  the  lands  confiscated  from  the  Catholics,  A.D. 
1661. 

Q.  Did  the  Catholics  try  to  recover  their  estates  ? 

A.  Yes ;  under  the  leadership  of  such  men  as  Sir 
Richard  Nagle,  Sir  Nicholas  Plunket,  Sir  Richard  Talbot, 
and  the  Earl  of  Kildare,  they  sought  to  obtain  their  just 
rights;  but  the  king,  the  deputy,  and  the  Puritan  majority 
were  against  them,  and,  of  course,  they  did  not  succeed. 

Q.  How  did  parliament  mask  its  injustice  ? 

A.  It  passed  a  *•  Bill  of  Settlement,"  which  provided 
that  a  special  tribunal  should  decide  all  land  claims ;  but 
after  settling  eight  hundred  cases,  the  tribunal  was  abol- 
ished, leaving  three  thousand  cases  undecided,  because 
the  claims  of  the  Catholics  proved  too  strong,  a.d.  1663. 

Q.  How  did  the  Protestants  prevent  these  claims  from 
being  paid?  ^  . 

A.  They  formed  associations  for  mutual  protection, 
and  they  even  conspired  to  seize  Dublin  Castle,  and  the 
person  of  the  lord-lieutenant,  if  their  estates  should  be 
given  back  to  the  original  Catholic  owners. 

Q.  In  what  new  wickedness  did  the  enemies  of  Ireland 
in  the  meanwhile  engage  ? 

A.  In  both  England  and  Ireland  the  enemies  of  the 
Catholics  were  busy  spreading  reports  of  terrible  popish 
plots,  conspiracies,  and  intended  massacres. 

Q^  Wh|3,t  action  did  the  Catholics  think  it  prudent  to 
take  ? 

A.  In  order  to  vindicate  their  loyalty  and  explain  their 


2o6  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

relations  with  the  Pope,  some  of  them  drew  up  a  remon- 
strance ;  but,  as  it  was  tainted  with  Gallicanism,  it  was 
condemned  at  Rome. 

Q.  Mention  an  incident  which  shows  the  bigotry  of  the 
time  ? 

A.  Before  the  year  1666  the  Irish  annually  exported 
into  England  sixty  thousand  beeves,  and  a  proportionate 
number  of  sheep.  In  that  year,  however,  in  response  to 
a  petition,  the  English  parliament  passed  a  law  to  prevent 
the  importation  of  Irish  cattle,  dead  or  alive,  into  Eng- 
land. Just  then,  also,  the  great  fire  occurred  in  London, 
and  the  Irish  sent  fifteen  thousand  bullocks  for  the  relief 
of  the  sufferers.  But  even  this  act  of  generosity  was  mis- 
interpreted, and,  though  they  kept  the  beeves,  the  English 
authorities  represented  the  act  as  an  attempt  to  evade  the 
cattle  law. 

Q.  Did  Ormond  confer  any  benefit  on  Ireland  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  he  introduced  several  establishments  for  the 
manufacture  of  woollen  goods.  Though  his  motives  were 
selfish,  his  enterprise  was  beneficial  to  the  whole  country, 
A.D.  1667. 

Q.  Did  other  industries^lso  increase  ? 

A.  No ;  for  the  government  discouraged  enterprise  on 
the  pretence  that  it  would  interfere  with  English  interests. 
They  thought  that  if  Ireland  were  permitted  to  prosper, 
she  would  soon  become  independent. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  of  this  policy  ? 

A.  Trade  and  manufactures  never  developed  to  any  ex- 
tent. Even  the  mines  and  the  fisheries  were  shamefully 
neglected,  though  they  were  sources  of  untold  wealth,  and 
might  have  given  employment  to  several  hundred  thou- 
sand men. 

Q.  In  what  condition  was  religion  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  207 

A.  During  the  last  few  years  the  Catholics  had  gained 
rapidly  both  in  wealth  and  numbers.  The  ratio  between 
them  and  the  sectaries  was  as  four  to  one  in  their  favor. 
The  government  evidently  feared  for  its  army  in  Ireland, 
as  we  see  from  the  following  penalties :  P'or  hearing 
mass  officers  were  fined  ten  pounds,  troopers,  five  pounds, 
and  private  soldiers,  four  shillings. 

Q.  What  new  plot  was  gotten  up  against  the  Catholics  ? 

A.  In  1678  great  excitement  was  caused  in  England 
by  Titus  Oates,  an  infamous  perjurer,  who  charged  the 
Catholics  of  the  kingdom  with  conspiring  against  the  king 
and  the  Protestant  religion.  • 

Q.  How  did  these  false  charges  affect  Ireland  ? 

A.  Although  knowing  them  to  be  innocent,  Ormond  at 
once  disarmed  the  Catholics,  closed  their  chapels,  sup- 
pressed their  schools,  and  commanded  all  priests  to  quit 
the  island  by  a  certain  day. 

Q.  What  illustrious  man  was  executed  on  false 
charges  ? 

A.  Oliver  Plunket,  Archbishop  of  Armagh.  Under 
pretence  that  he  was  an  enemy  to  the  state,  he  was  taken 
to  England,  where  he  was  hanged,  drawn,  and  quartered, 
A.D.  168 1. 

Q.  When  did  Charles  II.  die  ? 

A.  On  the  6th  of  February,  a.d.  1685. 


CHAPTER  VII.' 

The  Civil  War,  A.D.  1685  to  1702. 

|H0  succeeded  Charles  II.  on  the  throne? 

A.  His  brother,  James   II.,  who   was  a 
Catholic. 

Q,  What  policy  did  the  new  king  adopt  ? 

A.  He  declared  that  all  his  subjects  should  have  equal 
rights  in  matters  of  religion. 

Q.  How  did  he  excite  the  enmity  of  his  people  ? 

A.  By  his  zeal  in  favor  of  his  own  religion.  Though 
his  motives  were  good,  his  measures  were  undoubtedly 
rash. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  in  Ireland  ? 

A.  He  substituted  for  Ormond  his  own  kinsman,  the 
Earl  of  Clarendon,  and  admitted  Catholics  to  the  bench 
and  to  the  privy  council.  Then,  sifter  the  space  of  a 
year,  Richard  Talbot,  Earl  of  Tyrconnell,  who  was  a 
Catholic,  was  made  lord-lieutenant. 

Q.  What  treason  were  the  EngUsh  Protestants  guilty  of? 

A.  They  offered  the  crown  to  William,  Prince  of 
Orange,  who  soon  arrived  in  England  with  thirteen  thou- 
sand men,  to  uphold  Protestant  supremacy,  a.d.  1688. 

Q.  How  did  James  act  in  this  emergency  ? 

A.  He  fled  to  France  without  striking  a  blow  in  de- 
fence of  his  throne.  In  Ireland,  however,  his  friends  pre- 
pared to  maintain  his  cause. 

Q.  How  did  the  English  settlers  in  Ulster  act  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  209 

A.  They  formed  an  association  "  for  the  maintenance 
of  the  Protestant  religion,  and  the  dependence  of  Ireland 
upon  England." 

Q.  Did  James  endeavor  to  regain  his  crown  ? 

A.  Yes ;  he  landed  at  Kinsale,  in  Ireland,  with  one 
thousand  three  hundred  men,  and  was  received  with  great 
rejoicings  by  the  inhabitants,  both  Catholic  and  Protes- 
tant, March  12th,  1689. 

Q.  What  was  the  first  important  event  after  his  re- 
turn ? 

A.  In  May,  a  parliament  composed  of  Protestants  and 
Catholics  was  held  in  Dublin.  In  the  house  of  lords  the 
Protestants  predominated ;  but  in  the  commons  the 
Catholics  were  in  the  majority. 

Q.  What  did  this  assembly  do  ? 

A.  It  granted  the  king  twenty  thousand  pounds  per 
month,  repealed  the  iniquitous  "Act  of  Settlement,"  and 
enacted  that  tithes  should  be  paid  by  each  person  to  the 
pastors  of  his  own  communion.  Besides,  it  passed  an 
"  Act  establishing  Liberty  of  Conscience,"  and  another 
declaring  the  judicial  independence  of  Ireland.  Thus,  as 
Grattan  says,  "  Though  papists,  they  were  not  slaves ;  t 
they  wrung  a  constitution  from  King  James  before  they] 
accompanied  him  to  the  field."  / 

Q.  What  absurdity  was  James  guilty  of  ? 

A.  He  issued  a  proclamation  doubling  the  value  of 
money  ;  but  the  traders  and  merchants  were  not  to  be 
deluded,  and  they  immediately  doubled  the  prices  of  their 
goods. 

Q.  Mention  the  first  important  occurrences  in  the 
field. 

A.  The  raw  levies  of  the  king  were  defeated  with  loss, 
by  the  disciplined  and  well-armed  garrison  of  Enniskillen  ; 


''^^ir*9ry-^ 


«'''»<"T'»?!W"!WBWP'"'WPW!IP?pili»^ 


2IO  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

and  at  Deny,  the  rebels  made  so  gallant  a  defence  that 
the  royalists  were  forced  to  retire,  after  losing  six  thou- 
sand men,  a.d.  1689. 

Q.  What  did  the  Prince  of  Orange  do  for  his  adherents 
in  Ireland  ? 

A.  He  sent  Gen.  Kirke  with  six  thousand  men  to  their 
assistance,  and  afterwards  an  army  of  ten  thousand  men, 
under  Marshal  Schomberg,  who  signalized  his  arrival  by 
taking  Carrickfergus,  which  was  gallantly  defended  by 
McCarthy  More,  August  28th. 

Q.  How  did  King  James  show  his  incapacity  ? 

A.  At  Dundalk  he  had  an  excellent  chance  to  crush 
his  enemies,  suffering  as  they  were  from  disease  and  fam- 
ine ;  but  his  timid  and  vacillating  spirit  would  not  permit 
him  to  attack  them,  although  his  men  were  eager  for  battle. 

Q.  What  language  did  Marshal  Rosen  use  to  the  king 
on  this  occasion  ? 

A.  "Sire,"  said  he,  "if  your  majesty  had  a  hundred 
kingdoms,  you  would  lose  them." 

Q.  How  did  the  first  campaign  terminate  ? 

A.  It  ended  with  the  surrender  of  Charlemont,  after 
desperate  resistance  by  O' Regan,  who  was  knighted  by 
James  for  his  valor. 

Q.   Did  William  take  part  in  the  war  ? 

A.  Yes ;  he  landed  at  Carrickfergus  with  additional 
troops  on  the  14th  June,  i6po. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  his  army  ? 

A.  It  was  composed  of  a  medley  of  many  nations, 
English,  Scotch,  Dutch,  Swiss,  Prussians,  Danes,  Hugue- 
nots, and  Anglo- Irish.  Though  excellent  soldiers,  and 
well  trained,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gorge,  who  was  chaplain  to 
Schomberg,  describes  them  as  profligate  and  licentious, 
and  wallowing  in  vices  too  odious  to  mention. 


•?-':5MBp.-. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  211 

Q.  What  force  had  James  ? 

A.  They  numbered  twenty-three  thousand,  and  were 
all  Irish,  except  a  body  of  French  cavalry,  for  whom  the 
king  had  exchanged  forty-eight  hundred  native  troops 
under  Justin  MacCarthy,  Lord  Mountcashel. 

Q.  Describe  the  battle  that  followed. 

A.  On  tlje  1 2th  of  July  the  two  armies  met  at  the 
Boyne.  The  Irish  had  but  six  cannon,  while  the  enemy, 
forty-five  thousand  strong,  had  fifty,  and  four  mortars. 
William  led  his  hosts  in  person,  while  James,  surrounded 
by  his  French  allies,  viewed  the  contest  from  the  hill  of 
Donore,  two  miles  away.  "  With  admirable  courage  and 
gallantry,"  says  the  Duke  of  Berwick,  "  the  Irish  troops 
charged  the  English  ten  times  after  they  had  crossed  the 
river."  Seeing  the  enemy  give  way,  the  miserable  James 
cried  aloud,  •'  Spare,  oh,  spare  my  English  subjects ! " 

Q.  How  did  the  contest  terminate  ? 

A.  After  fighting  for  seven  hours,  the  Irish  left  about 
one  thousand  men  on  the  field.  The  enemy  lost  Schom- 
berg,  and  four  hundred  killed,  besides  the  wounded.  Be- 
fore the  battle  was  fairly  over,  James  fled  to  Dublin, 
where  he  attributed  his  ruin  to  the  Irish,  "  who,"  he  said, 
"  had  run  away,"  To  this  Lady  Tyrconnell  replied  with 
spirit,  ■'  Your  majesty,  I  see,  has  won  the  race."  All 
now  despised  the  coward,  and  the  cry  of  his  army  was, 
"  Change  kings,  and  we  will  fight  the  battle  over  ! " 

Q.  What  transpired  after  the  battle  of  the  Boyne  ? 

A.  Drogheda  surrendered  with  its  garrison  thirteen 
hundred  strong ;  Dublin  and  several  other  places  fol- 
lowed this  example,  and  then  the  terrified  James  fled  to 
France,  where  he  expired  in  merited  obscurity,  a.d.  1701. 

Q.  Did  the  Irish  continue  the  war  ? 

A.  Yes;  the  brave  Col.  Richard  Grace  repulsed   the 


212  CAT£  CHISM  OF  IRISH  HIS  TOR  Y. 

enemy  at  Athlone  ;  the  gallant  Sarsfield  blew  their  siege 
train  to  atoms  at  Ballanedy,  and  the  garrison  of  Limerick, 
assisted  by  the  women,  forced  William  to  retreat  from 
before  that  city  with  a  loss  of  eight  hundred  killed  and 
twelve  hundred  wounded. 

Q.  Where  did  the  next  operations  take  place  ? 

A.  At  Cork,  which  yielded  to  tire  renowned  Marlbor- 
ough after  a  brave  defence,  and  at  Athlone,  which  Gen- 
eral Ginckle  besieged  with  twenty-five  thousand  men,  on 
the  iSthof  June,  1691.  ,. 

Q.  Describe  this  siege. 

A.  During  twelve  days  the  incessant  attacks  of  the 
enemy  were  met  with  heroic  resistance.  The  great  strug- 
gle, however,  was  at  the  town  bridge,  which  the  Irish 
endeavored  to  destroy.  The  enterprise  was  a  desperate 
one.  Nevertheless,  a  sergeant  named  Custume  and  ten 
companions  volunteered  to  make  the  attempt,  but  they 
were  all  quickly  slain.  Then  eleven  others  rushed  forth 
to  take  their  places,  and  of  these  but  two  returned  alive 
after  accomplishing  their  task. 

Q.  What  happened  soon  after  this  ? 

A.  It  is  said  that  the  enemy  were  retiring  from  the 
town,  when,  by  chance,  they  heard  that  the  place  was 
intrusted  to  an  ordinary  garrison.  Then,  suddenly,  they 
made  another  assault,  and  thus  Athlone  was  taken,  and 
its  one  thousand  three  hundred  defenders  were  sacrificed 
in  vain  by  the  vanity  of  St.  Ruth,  the  French  commander, 
who  imagined  that  the  enemy  would  not  dare  renew  the 
attack. 

Q.  Which  was  the  greatest  battle  of  the  war  ? 

A.  That  fought  at  Aughrim,  in  Galway,  on  the  23d  of 
July,  1 691. 

Q.  Whom  did  victory  favor  ? 


■-■=^;s?s!f^ 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  213 

A.  At  first,  the  battle  went  in  favor  of  the  Irish,  till,  by 
some  fatalitj',  St.  Ruth,  their  general,  was  killed,  and  then 
victory  gave  place  to  confusion  and  rout.  The  enemy 
lost  three  thousand  men,  or  about  one  thousand  less  than 
the  vanquished. 

Q.  Was  Limerick  again  besieged  ? 

A.  Yes ;  and  this  time,  after  sixty  days,  for  want  of 
food  and  ammunition,  the  city  agreed  to  surrender  on  con- 
ditions. 

Q.  Did  the  garrison  obtain  conditions  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  a  treaty  was  drawn  up  which  provided,  among 
other  articles,  that  the  garrison  might  march  out  with  all 
their  arms,  guns,  and  baggage,  "  drums  beating,  matches 
lighting,  colors  flying,"  October  3d,  169 1.  The  soldiers 
were  then  to  be  free  to  leave  the  country,  or  to  serve  in 
the  English  army. 

Q.  What  were  the  other  provisions  of  the  treaty  ? 

A.  It  guaranteed  free  trade,  liberty  of  worship,  the 
right  to  bear  arms,  exception  from  the  oath  of  supremacy, 
and  the  privilege  of  sitting  in  parliament. 

Q.  What  choice  did  the  soldiers  make  ? 

A.  About  one  thousand  of  them  enlisted  under  Wil- 
liam ;  two  thousand  emigrated  to  foreign  countries,  and 
twelve  thousand  two  hundred  entered  the  service  of 
France,  thus  increasing  the  number  of  Irish  soldiers  in 
that  country  to  nineteen  thousand  and  fifty-nine. 

Q.  Who  were  the  most  noted  leaders  of  their  troops  ? 

A.  Major-General  Patrick  Sarsfield,  Earl  of  Lucan, 
1693 ;  and  Lieutenant-General  Justin  MacCarthy,  Lord 
Mountcashel,  1694. 

Q.  What  course  did  William  pursue  after  the  war  ? 

A.  He  confiscated  one  million  sixty  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  ninety-two  acres  of  land  from  the  Irish,  and 


214  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

discouraged  their  woollen  trade,  at  the  prayer  of  parlia- 
ment, because,  forsooth,  it  interfered  with  the  interests  of 
England. 

Q.  Did  the  English  observe  the  treaty  of  Limerick  ? 

A.  No ;  they  violated  almost  every  one  of  its  articles. 
Thus  in  1 792  they  passed  an  act  to  disarm  the  Catholics ; 
another,  to  banish  all  priests  and  prelates ;  and  a  third,  to 
prevent  parents  from  educating  their  children  at  home  or 
abroad,  and  to  render  them  incapable  of  being  guardians 
of  any  child  whatever.  Finally,  in  1 795,  the  English  par- 
liament struck  out  several  articles  altogether  from  the 
treaty. 

Q.  What  penal  laws  were  passed  ? 

A.  In  the  seventh  year  of  William  III,  it  was  enacted 
that  no  papist  could  own  a  horse  worth  more  than  five 
pounds ;  no  Protestant  could  instruct  any  papist ;  and  no 
papist  should  be  permitted  to  go  out  of  Ireland  to  receive 
instruction. 

Q.  What  eminent  man  wrote  in  defence  of  Ireland  ? 

A.  William  Molyneux,  author  of  the  "  Case  of  Ireland 
Stated,"  1 6 14-1699.  This  work  contained  some  plain 
truths,  and  the  English  parliament  ordered  it  to  be  burned 
by  the  common  hangman. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

Penal  Laws,  A.D.  1 702  to  1 740. 

|NDER  what  sovereign  did  Ireland  suffer  most 
from  wicked  and  unchristian  laws  ? 

A.  Under  Anne   Stuart,  who   succeeded 
William,  a.d.  1702. 

Q.  What  does  Edmund  Burke  say  of  the  code  known 
as  the  penal  laws  ? 

A.  "It  had,"  said  he,  "a  vicious  perfection — it  was  a 
complete  system — full  of  coherence  and  consistency ;  well 
digested  and  well  disposed  in  all  its  parts.  It  was  a  ma- 
chine of  wise  and  elaborate  contrivance,  and  as  well  fitted 
for  the  oppression,  impoverishment  and  degradation  of 
the  people,  and  the  debasement  in  them,  of  human  nature 
itself,  as  ever  proceeded  from  the  perverted  ingenuity  of 
man." 

Q.  How  does  Montesquieu  brand  these  same  laws  ? 

A,  "This  horrid  code,"  says  he,  "was  conceived  by 
devils,  written  in  human  gore,  and  registered  in  hell." 

Q.   Give  a  few  extracts  from  them. 

A.  In  the  first  year  of  Queen  Anne  a  bill  was  passed 
'*  for  discouraging  the  further  growth  of  popery."  Among 
other  clauses  it  provided  that  if  a  Catholic  child  conformed 
to  the  Protestant  religion,  his  father  should  be  unable  to 
sell  or  mortgage  his  estate,  or  dispose  of  any  portion  of 


2l6  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

it  by  will.  All  was  reserved  for  the  young  convert,  to 
the  exclusion  of  other  heirs.  By  this  act,  also,  no  Catholic 
could  be  guardian  to  his  own  child ;  and  if  such  child, 
however  young,  pretended  to  be  a  Protestant,  it  was 
taken  from  its  parents,  and  assigned  to  the  care  of  the 
nearest  Protestant  relation. 

Q.  What  law  was  enacted  in  the  second  year  of  Anne  ? 

A.  In  this  year  it  was  decreed  that  any  priest  coming 
to  Ireland,  and  performing  religious  services,  should  be 
hanged. 

Q.  How  were  Catholics  hampered  in  regard  to  prop- 
erty? 

A.  They  were  incapable  of  purchasing  manors,  tene- 
ments, etc.,  or  of  receiving  rents  or  profits  from  the  same, 
or  of  holding  a  lease  for  life  interest,  or  any  other  lease 
whatever,  for  any  term  exceeding  thirty-one  years.  More- 
over, if  any  Catholic  held  a  farm  producing  greater  net 
profit  than  one-third  of  the  amount  of  the  rent,  his  right 
to  such  ceased  immediately,  and  passed  to  the  first  Prot- 
estant who  discovered  the  rate  of  profit. 

Q.  Were  Catholics  allowed  to  vote  or  to  hold  ofllice  ? 

A.  As  a  qualification  for  office  and  for  voting  at  elec- 
tions, they  should  first  take  an  oath  renouncing  the  Pope, 
and  another  against  the  Blessed  Sacrament. 

Q.  Did  the  Catholics  protest  against  these  laws  ? 

A.  Yes;  Counsellor  Malone,  Sir  Theobold  Butler,  and 
Sir  Stephen  Rice,  three  of  their  ablest  men,  jDetitioned 
against  them  in  vain. 

Q.  How  did  the  government  cause  the  penal  laws  to 
be  enforced  ? 

A.  In  1705  the  Irish  commons  resolved  that  "inform- 
ing against  papists  was  an  honorable  service  to  the  gov- 
ernment," and  that  magistrates  and  others  who  failed  to 


y^w^ 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HTSTORY.  217 

execute  the  laws  "  were  betrayers  of  the  liberties  of  the 
kingdom." 

Q.  Were  any  other  penal  laws  enacted  under  Anne  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  in  1 709  another  act  was  passed  declaring  thai 
no  Catholic  could  hold  an  annuity  for  life,  and  that  the 
child  of  a  Catholic,  on  becoming  a  Protestant,  shauld  at 
once  receive  an  annuity  from  the  father. 

Q.  What  other  enactments  were  passed  in  the  same 
spirit  ? 

A,  Catholics  were  forbidden  to  teach  ;  priests  were 
offered  a  bribe  of  thirty  pounds  sterling  a  year  to  become 
Protestants ;  rewards  were  given  for  the  discovery  of 
prelates,  priests,  and  teachers ;  and  priests  were  ordered 
to  take  the  oath  of  objurgation,  under  penalty  of  death 
for  treason.  ^ 

Q.  What  punishment  was  inflicted  on  those  who  re- 
fused to  take  the  oath  ? 

A.  They  were  put  to  death,  hanged,  drawn,  and  quar- 
tered, in  the  following  manner :  After  hanging  till  half 
dead,  the  victim  was  cut  down  and  disembowelled  while 
still  alive.  His  entrails  were  burned  before  his  face,  and 
his  head  was  then  chopped  off,  and  his  body,  being  cut 
into  quarters,  was  exposed  in  some  public  place  as  a 
warning  to  others. 

Q.  Did  many  priests  suffer  death  ? 

A.  Yes ;  the  large  rewards  offered  by  the  government 
gave  existence  to  an  infamous  class  called  priest-hunters, 
who  supplied  the  gallows  and  the  knife  with  many  a 
victim. 

Q.  Did  the  condition  of  the  Catholics  improve  in  the 
next  reign  ? 

A.  Queen  Anne  died  in  1714,  andwas  succeeded  by 
George  I.,  but  the  condition  of  the  Catholics  remained 
10 


2l8  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

the  same.  They  still  continued  to  be  spoken  of  as  the 
"common  enemy,"  and  those  who  sympathized  with  them 
were  looke4  upon  as  enemies  of  the  state. 

Q.   Were  any  new  penal  laws  enacted  ? 

A.  Yes ;  any  Catholic  clergyman  marrying  a  Protestant 
to  a  Catholic  was  to  be  hanged. 

Q.  What  did  the  English  parliament  do  in  this  reign  ? 

A,  It  usurped  the  judicial  authority  of  the  Irish  legisla- 
ture, and  declared  that  it  had  full  power  and  authority  to 
make  laws  and  statutes  for  the  kingdom  of  Ireland. 

Q.  Did  it  enforce  this  clain^  ? 

A.  It  was  enabled  to  do  so  till  the  year  1782,  when  the 
Irish  parliament  once  more  asserted  its  rights. 

Q.  For  what  else  is  this  reign  remarkable  ? 

A.  It  is  noted  for  the'^evival  and  growth  of  a  patriotic 
national  spirit  among  the  people,  and  for  the  beginning 
of  emigration  to  the  shores  of  the  New  World. 

Q.  Did  many  emigrate  to  America  at  this  early  day  ? 

A.  Yes ;  they  went  to  escape  the  penal  laws  and  to 
otherwise  better  their  condition.  Thus,  in  a  single  year, 
as  many  as  five  thousand  six  hundred  Irish  emigrants, 
landed  at  the  port  of  Philadelphia  alone,  a.d.  1729,  and 
during  the  next  ten  years  Ihey  formed  a  majority  of  the 
settlers  in  Georgia,  and  in  North  and  South  Carolina. 

Q.  What  other  effect  had  the  penal  laws  ? 

A.  They  caused  thousands  of  young  men  to  flee  from 
Ireland,  and  join  their  coimtrymen  in  the  service  of 
France,  Spain,  Austria,  and  other  European  nations. 

Q.  Did  these  exiles  meet  with  a  cordial  reception  ? 

A.   Yes ;    they    were   everywhere   eagerly   welcomed 
Louis  XIV.  spoke  of  them  as    "  my  brave  Irish,"  and 
Francis  I.   of  Germany  wrote  concerning  them  :  "  The 
more  Irish  officers  in  the  Austrian  army  the  better;  our 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  219 

troops  will  always  be  disciplined  ;  an  Irish  coward  is  an 
uncommon  character ;  and  what  the  natives  of  Ireland 
even  dislike  from  principle  they  generally  perform  through 
a  desire  of  glory." 

Q.  Did  they  merit  this  praise  ? 

A.  Yes ;  this  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  when  Maria 
Theresa  instituted  fifty  crosses  of  the  Legion  of  Honor, 
forty-six  of  them  were  awarled  to  Irish  officers  on  ac- 
count of  their  bravery  and  military  skill. 

Q.  In  what  battles  did  the  Irish  distinguish  them- 
selves ? 

A.  At  Landen  in  Flanders,  and  at  Massiglia  in  Savoy, 
1 693 ;  at  Cremona,  in  Italy,  1 702  ;  at  Ramilles,  in  Flanders, 
1 706 ;  and  at  Almanza,  in  Spain,  1 707  ;  at  Viletry,  in  Italy, 
1 713,  and  at  Oran,  in  Sicily,  1733. 

Q.  When  did  George  I.  die  ? 

A.  In  1627,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  George  II. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  laws  enacted  during  the  new 
reign. 

A.  By  a  law  of  the  7th  of  George  II.  any  barrister  or 
attorney  marrying  a  Catholic  was  to  be  discarded.  By 
another  in  his  9th,  papists  residing  in  Ireland  should 
make  good  to  Protestants  all  losses  sustained  by  the 
privateers  of  any  Catholic  king  ravaging  the  coasts  of 
Ireland ;  and  in  his  29th,  barristers  and  attorneys  were 
obliged  to  waive  their  privileges  and  betray  their  clients, 
if  the  latter  were  papists. 

Q.  Who  rendered  signal  service  to  Ireland  at  this 
time  ? 

A.  The  celebrated  Jonathan  Swift,  Protestant  Dean 
of  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral,  Dublin,  1667-1745.  During 
eighteen  years  (i 724-1 742)  this  able  man  made  himself 
the  champion  of  his  countrymen  against  the  tyranny  and 


'    1 


2 20  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

exactions  of  the  government,  and  to  him  is  due  the  honor 
of  preventing  the  establishment  of  a  national  bank,  and 
the  introduction  of  a  debased  copper  coinage  into  the 
country. 

Q.  What  was  the  Agistment  Act  ? 

A.  This  was  a  law  passed  in   1735,  by  which  pastures 
were   exempted   from   paying    taxes   to    the   Protestanr 
clergy,  who  henceforth  could  claim  tithes  only  from  vil 
lage  and  meadow  lands. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  the  eminent  men  of  this  epoch. 

A.  George  B'arquhar,  comic  writer^  1678-1708  ;  Thomas 
Parnell,  who  wrote  The  Hermit^  1679-1718;  Count  An- 
thony de  Hamilton,  author  of  Memoires  de  Grammont, 
1646-1720;  Sir  Richard  Steele,  essayist,  1675-1729; 
Carolan,  the  last  minstrel,  16 70-1.73 1  ;  and  John  Aberne- 
thy,  divine,  1680— 1740.  Among  the  military  exiles  the 
most  noted  were :  Lieutenant-General  Count  Arthur 
Dillon,  in  France,  1733  ;  and  Lieutenant-General  Pierce 
Butler,  Third  Viscount  Galmoy,  1652-1740. 


.  "!«^"- 


CHAPTER  IX. 

At  Home  and  Abroad^  A.D.  1740  /^  1772. 

I  HO  continued  the  work  of  Swift? 

A.  Anthony  Malone  and  Charles  Lucas, 

1713,  1771- 
Q.  Who  was  lord-lieutenant  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Philip  Dormer  Stanhope,  the  famous  Earl  of  Ches- 
terfield. 

Q.  Was  he  a  successful  viceroy  ? 

A.  Yes ;  he  discouraged  informers,  and  won  popularity 
by  mitigating  the  rigors  of  the  penal  code  as  much  as 
possible. 

Q.  Did  the  government  enact  new  penal  laws? 

A.  Yes  ;  one  dissolving  marriages  between  Protestants 
and  Catholics,  and  another  inflicting  death  on  any  priest 
who  should  marry  together  two  Protestants,  or  a  Catholic 
to  a  Protestant. 

Q.  What  glory  was  won  by  the  Irish  in  the  service  of 
France  ? 

A.  They  saved  the  French  army  from  the  English,  and 
turned  defeat  into  a  glorious  victory  at  Fontenoy,  May 
nth,  1745. 

Q.  Were  there  many  Irishmen  in  the  armies  of  Eu- 
rope ? 

A.  Yes ;  but  there  were  more  in  the  service  of  France 
than  in  that  of  any  other  nation.  From  researches  made 
in  the   French  war  office,  it  has  been  ascertained  that 


aaa  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

from  the  arrival  of  the  Irish  troops  in  Franjce  in  1691,  to 
1745,  the  year  of  the  battle  of  Fontenoy,  four  hundred  and 
fifty  thousand  Irishmen  died  in  the  service  of  France  ; 
and  between  this  period  and  the  French  revolution,  thirty 
thousand  more  sacrificed  their  lives  for  the  interests  of  the 
same  country. 

Q.  What  does  Fornman  say  of  these  troops  ? 

A.  "  Wherever  they  served,"  says  he,  *'  they  always  had 
the  good  fortune  to  distinguish  themselves  ;  and  it  may 
be  said  to  their  eternal  honor,  that  from  the  time  they 
entered  the  service  of  France,  they  never  had  the  least 
blot  on  their  escutcheon." 

Q.  What  was  the  sum  total  of  Irish  emigration  to 
France  ? 

A.  It  amounted  to  about  one  million  persons. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  Irish  soldiers  that  won  distinc- 
tion abroad  ? 

A.  Lieutenant-General,  Matthew  Cooke,  1740;  Major- 
General  William  O'Shaughnessy,  1744;  Field  Marshal 
Count  Peter  Lacy  of  Russia,  1678,  1751  ;  Major-Gen- 
eral Richard  Francis  Talbot,  Thiid  Earl  of  Tyrconnell, 
and  Ambassador  from  France  to  Prussia,  17 10-1752; 
Major-General  John  Nugent,  Fifth  Earl  of  Westmeath, 
1754;  Lieutenant-General  Daniel  O'Connor  of  Austria, 
1664-1756;  and  Lieutenant-General  Charles  O'Brien, 
Sixth  Lord  Clare,  Ninth  Earl  of  Thomond,  and  Marshal 
of  France,  1761.  The  most  famous  of  all,  however,  was 
a  man  of  Irish  descent,  Count  Thomas  Arthur  Lally,  who 
commanded  the  French  army  in  India,  1 698-1 766. 

Q.  What  did  the  English  government  do  after  the  battle 
of  Fontenoy  ? 

A.  It  decreed  the  penalty  of  death  against  any  Irish' 
man  who  should  enlist  in  the  service  of  France. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  223 

Q.  What  other  reverse  did  the  English  suflfer  ? 

A.  They  were  defeated  at  Wandiwash  by  the  French 
under  General  MacGeoghegan,  a.d.  1759. 

Q.  Who  was  the  pest  of  Ireland  at  this  time  ? 

A.  The  Protestant  primate,  Dr.  Stone,  an  Englishman, 
who  sought  to  proselytize  Catholic  children  by  means  of 
the  "  Charter  Schools  "  which  he  established. 

Q.  What  new  measure  was  contemplated  by  the  govern- 
ment ? 

A.  The  destruction  of  the  Irish  parliament,  by  uniting 
it  with  that  of  England. 

Q.  Did  this  project  succeed  ? 

A.  Not  then ;  the  citizens  of  Dublin  prevented  it  for 
a  time  by  forcing  the  members  of  their  parliament  to 
take  an  oath  against  such  a  measure. 

Q.  Give  an  instance  illustrating  the  life  and  fate  of 
many  an  Irish  refugee  who  sought  to  serve  his  native 
land? 

A.  In  1760  Carrickfergus  was  surprised  by  a  small 
French  force  under  Commodore  Thurot,  whose  real 
name  was  O'Farrell.  Like  many  more  of  his  countrymen 
at  that  time,  this  brave  leader  sought  preferment  in 
France,  only  for  the  sake  of  Ireland-,  and,  like  them,  he 
was  fate<l  to  ^ie  without  accomplishing  his  designs. 

Q.  What  else  occurred  in  the  same  year  ? 

A.  George  III.,  the  typical  English  king,  succeeded  to 
the  throne  on  the  death  of  his  father. 

Q.  What  disturbances  took  place  in  the  new  reign  ? 

A.  About  the  year  1763  the  tyranny  of  the  landlords 
and  of  the  government  drove  the  peasantry  in-  parts  of 
Munster  to  form  secret  oath-bound  associations,  and 
their  example  was  soon  followed  throughout  the  rest  of 
Ireland.      Many  outrages  and   crimes  were  committed 


224  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

by  them,  and  the  "  Whiteboys,"  the  "  Defenders,"  the 
"Rightboys,"  the  "Hearts  of  Steel,"  the  "Peep  o'  Day 
Boys,"  etc.,  are  still  a  tradition  among  the  people. 

Q.  What  change  was  made  in  the  constitution  of  par- 
liament ? 

A.  Through  the  efforts  of  Charles  Lucas,  a  law  <vas 
passed,  in  1767,  which  limited  the  duration  of  parliament 
to  eight  years.  Up  to  this  time,  when  once  elected,  the 
members  held  office  during  the  lifetime  of  the  king. 

Q.  What  eminent  leader  now  headed  the  popular 
party  ? 

A.  Henry  Flood  the  celebrated  orator  and  statesman. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  the  other  prominent  men. 

A.  Abb6  MacGeoghegan,  historian,  1698-1750;  Sir 
Hans  Sloan,  physician  and  naturalist,  1660-1752  ;  George 
Berkeley,  philosopher  and  divine,  1684-1753;  Thomas 
Sheridan,  lexicographer,  1 724-1 766;  James  Quinn,  the 
great  personator  of  "  FalstafF,"  1693-1766;  Laurence 
Sterne,  novelist  and  miscellaneous  writer,  1713-1768; 
and  Charles  Macklin,  the  tragedian,  of  whose  personation 
of  Shylock,  Alexander  Pope  wrote : 

"  This  is  the  Jew 
That  Shakspeare  drew." — A.D.  1690-1770. 


CHAPTER  X. 

The  Era  of  Independence^  A.D.  1772  to  1795. 

I  HAT  was  the  state  of  Ireland  at  the  beginning 
of  this  epoch  ? 

A.  It  was  in  the  worst  possible  condition, 
and  thousands  of  her  children  departed  for 
foreign  lands  every  year  to  escape  the  tyranny  of  the 
penal  laws.  Thus,  at  Philadelphia  alone,  there  arrived 
three  thousand  five  hundred  refugees  within  the  space 
of  a  month,  A.D.  1773. 

Q.  What  was  taking  place  in  America  ? 

A.  The  American  colonists  were  at  variance  with  the 
English  government,  which  sought  to  tax  them  without 
their  consent.  At  length,  after  useless  protests,  they 
took  up  arms  in  defence  of  their  rights. 

Q.  How  did  the  Irish  in  the  English  and  Irish  parlia- 
ments act  in  this  emergency  ? 

A.  They  encouraged  the  Americans  to  resist.  "  If 
the  Americans  yield,"  cried  Barre,  "  they  are  cowards." 
*'  The  war  is  fruitless,  hopeless,  and  unnatural,"  exclaimed 
Edmund  Burke  in  the  interest  of  the  insurgents.  Such 
also  were  the  sentiments  of  Grattan,  ^eridan,  and  a  host 
of  eminent  Irishmen. 

Q.  What  did  the  Irish  house  of  commons  do  ? 

A.  It  refused  to  send  troops  to  America.  "  If  we 
give  our  consent,"  cried  Ponsonby,  '•  we  shall  take  part 
against  America  contrary  to  justice,  to  prudence,  and  hu- 


226  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

manity."  "  The  war  is  unjust,"  said  others,  "  and  if  men 
must  be  sent  to  America,  send  the  foreign  mercenaries, 
not  the  brave  sons  of  Ireland." 

Q.  Did  the  government  send  the  mercenaries  ? 

A.  Yes;  it  hired  twenty-nine  thousand  one  hundred 
and  sixty-six  Hessians  to  fight  against  the  Americans, 
and  afterwards,  in  denying  the  Irish  their  rights,  it  gave 
as  a  reason,  that  sixteen  thousand  of  them  had  fought  on 
the  side  of  the  Americans. 

Q.  Was  this  true  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  about  that  number  of  Irish  soldiers  were  in 
the  American  army  from  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina, 
Georgia,  Maryland,  New  Hampshire,  and  Pennsylvania. 
The  last  State  furnished  the  *'  Irish  Brigade,"  known  as 
the  "  Pennsylvania  Line." 

Q.  What  did  the  American  congress  do  in  1776  ? 

A.  It  declared  that  the  colonies  were  free  and  indepen- 
dent of  Great  Britain. 

Q.  How  many  Irishmen  were  members  of  this  congress 
and  signers  of  this  declaration  ? 

A.  There  were  nine  besides  Charles  Thompson,  who 
was  secretary  to  the  Congress.  Their  names  are  George 
Read,  Thomas  Lynch,  George  Taylor,  James  Wilson, 
Edward  Rutledge,  Matthew  Thornton,  James  Smith, 
Thomas  McKean,  and  Charles  Carroll  of  CarroUton. 

Q.  How  did  the  Irish  of  Philadelphia  assist  the  Conti- 
nental army? 

A.  When  Washington's  army  was  suffering  from  hunger 
and  want  at  Valley  Forge,  several  Irish  firms  at  Philadel- 
phia subscribed  four  hundred  and  forty-two  thousand  five 
hundred  dollars  for  its  relief. 

Q.  What  leaders  in  the  Revolution  were  Irish  ? 

A.  Montgomery,    Moylan,    Sullivan,   Wayne,   Clintor, 


^^vr 


CAIECIIISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  227 

Stark,  Knox,  Hand,  Dillon,  Rutledge,  O'Brien,  Patrick 
Henry,  and  Commodore  John  Barry,  the  *'  Father  of  the 
American  Navy." 

Q.  Mention  some  others  who  are  less  known. 

A.  Colonels  Butler,  Clinton,  Fitzgerald,  Gordan, 
Divine,  Kennedy,  McAllister,  Nixon,  Shea,  Stewart, 
Thompson,  and  many  others.  Col.  Nixon  first  read  the 
Declaration  of  Independence  to  the  people. 

Q.  What  influence  did  the  war  have  on  Ireland  ? 

A.  After  the  surrender  of  General  Burgoyne  to  the 
Americans  at  Saratoga,  the  English  government  thought 
it  prudent  to  appease  the  Catholics  by  relaxing  the  penal 
laws.  Hence,  in  1778,  the  Irish  parliament  enacted  that 
henceforth  Catholics  might  loan  money  on  mortgage,  or 
lease  lands  for  any  period  not  exceeding  a  thousand  years. 

Q.  State  another  result  brought  about  indirectly  by  the 
war. 

A.  Fearing  a  French  invasion,  the  people  of  Belfast  re- 
quested the  government  to  send  them  a  garrison  ;  owing, 
however,  to  the  American  war,  no  troops  could  be  spared 
just  then.  Therefore  the  citizens  formed  military  compa- 
nies of  their  own,  and  their  example  was  speedily  followed 
by  other  towns,  so  that  in  a  few  months  Ireland  had  fi 
national  army  eighty-eight  thousand  strong. 

Q.  Who  caused  these  volunteers  to  be  recognized  by 
the  state  ? 

A.  Flood,  Perry,  Grattan,  and  Charleraont,  who  were 
prominent  members  of  the  Irish  parliament. 

Q.  What  was  the  next  move? 

A.  Henry  Grattan  inspired  parliament  to  demand  "  free 
trade "  for  Ireland,  and,  after  much  opposition,  the  gov- 
ernment granted  it  to  escape  revolution,  a,d.  i  780. 

Q.  What  other  step  did  Grattan  take  ? 


228  CATECHISM  QF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

A.  On  the  19th  of  April,  1780,  he  rose  in  parliament 
and  moved  that  the  "king,  lords,  and  commons  of  Ire- 
land are  the  only  powers  competent  to  enact  laws  to  bind 
Ireland."  This  resolution  was  substantially  carried,  though 
in  another  form. 

Q.  What  course  did  the  volunteers  pursue  ? 

A.  They  assembled  in  convention  at  Dungannon,  Cork, 
and  Dublin,  and  by  their  determined  tone  greatly  encour- 
aged the  patriots  in  parliament. 

Q.  Did  Grattan  follow  up  these  measures  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  he  drew  up  resolutions  establishing  the  judi- 
cial and  legislative  independence  of  Ireland,  and,  owing 
to  his  eloquence  and  devotion,  they  were  apptoved  by 
parliament  and  became  laws  on  receiving  the  sanction  of 
the  king,  May  27th,  1782.  i 

Q.  Give  the  words  of  the  patriot  on  the  occasion  of  this 
success. 

A.  "  I  found  Ireland  on  her  knees ;  I  watched  over  her 
with  paternal  solicitude ;  I  have  traced  her  progress  from 
injury  to  arms,  and  from  arms  to  liberty.  Spirit  of  Swift ! 
Spirit  of  Molyneux  !  your  genius  has  prevailed !  Ireland 
is  now  a  nation  !  In  that  new  character  I  hail  her !  and, 
bowing  to  her  august  presence,  I  say,  Esto  .perpetua  !  " 

Q.  What  were  the  first  acts  of  the  free  parliament  ? 

A.  In  gratitude  to  Grattan,  parliament  voted  him 
fifty  thousand  pounds ;  and  as  a  pledge  of  its  loyalty  to 
the  crown,  it  granted  the  king  twice  that  sum  to  raise  sea- 
men for  the  service  of  England. 

Q.  For  what  else  is  the  year  1782  noted  ? 

A.  In  that  year  more  penal  laws  were  repealed,  and 
Catholics  obtained  the  same  rights  as  Protestants  in  re- 
gard to  the  holding  of  property. 

Q.  What  act  did  the  English  parliament  pass  ? 


■■V'"'*S«!Bf'W 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  229 

A.  In  deference  to  a  sentiment  raised  in  Ireland  by 
Henry  Flood,  the  English  parliament  passed  the  "Act' of 
Renunciation,"  conceding  "  the  exclusive  rights  of  the 
parliament  and  courts  of  Ireland  in  matters  of  legislature 
and  judicature,"  A.D.  1783. 

Q.  Was  Ireland  prosperous  under  its  free  parliament  ? 

A.  Yes ;  few  countries  ever  made  such  progress  within 
so  short  a  time.  Peace  reigned,  trade  revived,  the  reve- 
nue increased,  various  industries  were  encouraged,  the 
Bank  of  Ireland  was  established,  and  the  future  promised 
well,  but  for  one  old-time  abuse. 

Q.  What  was  this  abuse  ? 

A.  The  boroughs  or  districts  sending  members  to  par- 
liament were  often  very  small,  and  wholly  under  the  in- 
fluence of  wealthy  individuals,  who  disregarded  the  inter- 
ests of  the  nation.  Fully  two-thirds  of  the  members  were 
therefore  beyond  the  control  of  the  people,  and  the  result 
was  that  their  interests  were  often  betrayed  by  their  sup- 
posed representatives. 

Q.  Who  endeavored  to  remedy  this  crjnng  evil  ? 

A.  Henry  Flood  introduced  a  bill  for  that  purpose,  but 
it  was  defeated  by  the  influence  of  the  court,  always  on 
the  side  of  corruption. 

Q.  Give  the  name  and  character  of  the  prime  minister 
of  England  ? 

A.  William  Pitt,  Earl  of  Chatham,  a  most  insidious 
enemy  of  Ireland,  who  sought  by  every  means  to  deprive 
her  of  her  liberty  and  parliament. 

Q.  What  Irishmen  in  America  took  part  at  this  time  in 
forming  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  ? 

A.  They  were  six  in  number,  namely,  George  Read, 
James  Wilson,  John  Rutledge,  Pierce  Butler,  Daniel  Car- 
roll, and  Thomas  Fitzsimons. 


230  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  When  was  the  elective  franchise  conceded  to  the 
Catholics  of  Ireland  ? 

A.  In  1793,  mainly  through  the  efforts  of  John  Keogh, 
who  was  himself  a  Catholic. 

Q.  What  other  measures  did  parliament  enact  ? 

A.  It  passed  an  "  Arms  Act "  against  the  use  and  im- 
portation of  arms,  and  a  "Convention  Act"  against  hold- 
ing assemblies  purporting  to  represent  the  people. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  of  these  narrow  measures  ? 

A.  The  surviving  volunteer  corps  were  forced  to  dis- 
band. 

Q.  What  institution  of  learning  was  now  established  ? 

A.  The  College  of  Maynooth,  for  ecclesiastical  students, 
A.D.  1795. 

Q,  What  noted  men  died  meanwhile  ? 

A.  Oliver  Goldsmith,  poet,  historian,  etc.,  1 728-1 774; 
Father  Edmund  Sheehy,  hanged  in  1776;  Hugh  Kelly, 
miscellaneous  writer,  1739-177  7;  Henry  Brooke,  poet, 
1 706-1 783  ;  George  Barrett,  landscape  artist,  and  foundei 
of  the  Royal  Academy  of  England,  1 784 ;  Henry  Flood, 
orator  and  statesman,  1 732-1 791 ;  and  General  Alexander 
O'Reilly,  of  Spain,  1 735-1 794. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Tyranny  and  Rebellion,  A.D.  1795  to  1820. 

I  HAT  political  organization  arose  in  Ireland  at 
the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century  ? 

A.  The  Society  of  United  Irishmen,  found- 
ed at  Belfast  by  Theobald  Wolfe  Tone  in  Oc- 
tober, 1791. 

Q.  Who  were  its  original  leaders  ? 

A.  Lord  Edward  Fitzgerald,  James  Napper  Tandy, 
Archibald  Hamilton  Rowan,  Arthur  O'Connor,  Dr.  Mc- 
Nevin,  and  the  two  brothers  Henry  and  John  Sheares, 
with  some  others. 

Q.  What  was  the  object  of  the  society  ? 

A.  Its  members  held  that  English  influence  threatened 
Irish  liberty ;  that  only  a  reformed  parliament  would  save 
the  country ;  and  that  such  reform,  to  be  just,  should  em- 
brace all  religious  denominations.  Hence,  their  object 
was  to  secure  the  lawful  rights  and  liberties  of  all  Irish- 
men. 

Q.  What  oath  did  they  take  ? 

A.  They  bound  themselves  to  forward  a  brotherhood 
of  affection,  an  identity  of  interests,  a  community  of 
rights,  and  a  union  of  power  among  Irishmen  of  all  reli- 
gious persuasions. 

Q.  Of  what  religion  were  the  leaders  of  the  United 
Irishmen  ? 

A.  Like  those  who  won  parliamentary  independence  in 


aja  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

1782,  they  were  Protestants;  but  from  their  souls  they 
despised  all  the  narrow-minded  bigots  who  favored  Eng- 
lish misrule  for  the  sake  of  Protestant  ascendency. 

Q.  Were  there  many  of  the  latter  kind  ? 

A.  Yes,  they  were  very  numerous  ;  and  being  incapable 
of  a  spark  of  patriotism,  they  took  the  alarm,  and  began 
to  organize   Orange   lodges  in  the  interest   of  England, 

1795- 
Q.  What  brought  about  a  change  in  the  character  of  the 

Society  of  United  Irishmen  ? 

A.  Its  papers  were  seized  by.  the  government  in  1794, 
and  therefore  it  became  a  secret  association  in  the  follow- 
ing year.  ^^ 

Q.  How  did  William  Pitt,  the  English  prime  minister, 
deceive  Ireland  ? 

A.  He  sent  over  Lord  Fitzwilliam  as  viceroy,  and  this 
new  deputy  proved  so  acceptable  that  in  a  burst  of  grati- 
tude the  Irish  parliament  voted  the  extraordinary  subsidy 
of  twenty  thousand  men  for  the  navy,  and  one  million 
eight  hundred  thousand  pounds  towards  the  expenses  of 
the  war  with  France.  Then,  to  the  great  regret  of  the 
people,  the  popular  viceroy  was  recalled. 

Q.  How  did  the  Irish  parliament  betray  its  trust  ? 

A.  It  refused  to  correct  the  evils  attending  the  choice 
of  members,  and  when  the  people  agitated  for  reform  in 
the  matter,  it  punished  them  with  hostile  legislation. 

Q.  Mention  some  of  its  measures. 

A.  It  passed  the  "  Insurrection  Act,"  permitting  magis- 
trates to  proclaim  martial  law ;  the  "  Indemnity  Act,"  pro- 
tecting the  local  authorities  for  exercising  a  "  rigor  beyond 
the  law ; "  and  the  "  Riot  Act,"  giving  them  the  right  to 
disperse  any  assembly  by  force.  Finally,  it  suspended  the 
Habeas  Corpus. 


'^^^f^ffS^^i  *  . 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  233 

Q.  What  is  meant  by  this  last  expression  ? 

A.  It  means  an  act  declaring  that  no  one  shall  be  sent 
to  prison  beyond  sea;  that  the  accused  must  be  brought 
into  court  when  called  for,  and  be  told  the  reason  of  his 
imprisonment ;  that  every  person  must  be  indicted  at  the 
first  term  after  commitment,  and  that  no  one  can  be  com- 
mitted again  for  the  same  offence,  after  having  once  been 
discharged  therefrom. 

Q.  Did  Grattan  support  the  parliament  ? 

A.  No ;  after  endeavoring  in  vain  to  accomplish  reform 
in  that  body,  Grattan,  Curran,  Fitzgerald,  and  several  other 
patriots  seceded  from  it,  a.d.  1797. 

Q.  What  were  the  United  Irishmen  doing  meanwhile? 

A.  They  were  preparing  for  rebellion,  and  this  was  gen- 
erally known  ;  but  the  government  was^careful  not  to  dis- 
courage them,  in  order  that  when  the  country  would  be 
crushed  after  the  struggle,  it  might  then  easily  unite  it  to 
England. 

Q.  Who  were  the  authors  of  this  scheme  ? 

A.  William  Pitt,  Earl  of  Chatham,  and  two  infamous 
Irishmen,  John  Fitzgibbon,  Lord  Clare,  the  chancellor 
(1802),  and  Robert  Stewart,  Lord  Castlereagh,  the  chief 
secretary  for  Ireland  (1820). 

Q.  How  were  the  people  goaded  to  rebellion  ? 

A.  Martial  law  was  proclaimed ;  thousands  of  soldiers, 
English,  German,  Scotch,  and  Welsh,  were  brought  into 
the  country  and  allowed  to  live  at  free-quarters.  People 
^were  insulted  and  ill-treated  by  these  minions  of  the  gov- 
ernment, and  there  was  no  redress.  The  pitch-cap,  whip- 
ping, half-hanging,  picketing,  burning  off  the  hair,  and  like 
barbarities,  were  sanctioned  by  the  authorities.  No  man 
was  sure  of  his  life,  and  many  were  taken  without  warrant 
and  hanged  without  trial  in  the  streets  and  market-places. 


234  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

At  Carnew  twenty-eight  persons  were  murdered  by  Orange- 
men and  militia ;  and  at  Dunlevin  thirty-four  more  were 
shot  without  judge  or  jury. 

Q.  Where  was  Wolfe  Tone  in  the  meanwhile  ? 

A.  He  was  laboring  zealously  to  procure  assistance 
from  France  and  Holland  for  the  coming  struggle,  and 
he  was  eminently  successful.  In  each  country  he  organ- 
ized a  vast  expedition  ;  but,  unfortunately,  owing  to  the 
elements,  neither  reached  its  destination. 

Q.  What  other  misfortunes  befell  the  United  Irishmen  ? 

A.  Their  principal  leader,  Lord  Edward  Fitzgerald,  was 
seized  three  days  before  the  rising. 

Q.  When  did  this  take  place  ? 

A.  On  the  23d  of  May,  1798. 

Q.  How  were  the  insurgents  prepared  for  their  desperate 
enterprise  ? 

A.  They  were  undisciplined,  unpaid,  badly  armed,  and 
poorly  clothed.  They  had  no  money,  no  tents,  no  sup- 
plies, no  cavalry,  scarcely  any  artillery,  no  ammunition, 
and,  worse  than  all,  their  leaders  were  incapable. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of  the  contest  ? 

A.  The  rebellion  lasted  only  four  months,  but  it  was  a 
fierce  and  bloody  struggle.  Quarter  was  seldom  given, 
and  many  excesses  were  committed  by  both  parties. 

Q.  Did  the  insurgents  hiake  a  brave  resistance  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  the  peasantry  fought  with  astonishing  bravery, 
and,  in  the  beginning,  often  put  the  royal  troops  to  flight. 
Their  greatest  successes  were  gained  at  Gorey,  Oulart 
Hill,  Enniscorthy,  Three  Rocks,  Cloch,  and  Castlebar. 
Arklow  was  a  drawn  battle,  and  Ross  was  won,  but  lost 
again  through  want  of  discipline. 

Q.  Where  were  the  royal  troops  victorious  ? 
.  A.  At  ^oss,  Naas,  Carlow,  Kilcullen,  Tara,  and  Vine- 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  235 

gar  Hill,  which  last  victory  may  be  said  to  have  ended  the 
war. 

Q.  What  was  the  fate  of  the  leading  patriots  ? 

A.  Many  were  executed,  and  the  rest  banished  from 
the  country.  Among  the  former  were  Henry  Joy  Mc- 
Cracken,  Beauchamp  Bagenal  Harvey,  Matthew  Tone, 
and  Bartholomew  Teeling.  Of  the  latter,  the  most  noted 
are  MacNevin,  Dr.  Samson,  and  Thomas  Addis  Emmet, 
who  settled  in  New  York,  1764. 

Q.  Who  distinguished  himself  at  the  bar  by  his  tireless 
eloquence  in  defence  of  the  accused  ? 

A.  John  Philpot  Curran,  the  great  forensic  orator  of 
modern  times,  1 750-181 7. 

Q.  What  course  did  the  English  ministers  pursue  after 
the  rebellion  ? 

A.  They  resolved  to  accomplish  the  union  of  England 
and  Ireland  at  once,  and  for  this  purpose,  proceeded  to 
pack  the  Irish  parliament,  and  to  corrupt  its  members 
by  means  of  peerages,  bishoprics,  and  offices  of  state. 
More  than  one  miUion  four  hundred  thousand  pounds 
were  spent  by  them  in  money-bribes  to  members. 

Q.  Who  was  the  chief  advocate  of  the  Union  in  Eng- 
land ? 

A.  Excepting  Pitt,  the  prime  minister,  its  greatest  sup- 
porter was  the  talented  Channing,  a  man  of  Irish  descent ; 
and  its  ablest  opponent,  the  celebrated  Richard  Brinsley 
Sheridan,  1751-1816. 

Q.  Did  the  Irish  people  make  an  effort  to  preserve  their 
parliament  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  seven  hundred  and  seven  thousand  of  them 
petitioned  against  the  Union  ;  and  all  the  orders  in  the 
state  were  opposed  to  it,  except,  perhaps,  the  Catholic 
hierarchy,  which  observed  neutrality. 


236  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  Why  did  the  government  insist  in  carrying  the 
Union  ? 

A.  Because  it  was  intolerant  of  Irish  prosperity. 

Q.  Who  distinguished  themselves  by  their  opposition 
to  the  measure  ? 

A.  Grattan,  Plunket,  Ponsonby,  Foster,  Saurin,  Bar- 
rington,  Burke,  Burrows,  Egan,  O'Donnell,  Parnell,  and 
Fitzgerald. 

Q.  Did  the  Union  receive  the  sanction  of  the  bribed 
parliament  ? 

A.  Yes;  on  the  7th  of  June,  a.d.  1800,  the  infamous 
measure  was  carried  by  a  majority  of  sixty-five  in  the  com- 
mons, and  fifty-nine  in  the  lords.  On  the  2d  of  August 
following  it  received  the  approbation  of  the  king,  and  the 
parliament  of  Ireland  ceased  to  exist. 

Q.  What  have  been  the  effects  of  the  Union  ? 

A.  It  has  degraded  Ireland  to  the  condition  of  a  prov- 
ince, and  made  her  a  despised  suppliant  in  a  foreign  par- 
liament. 

Q.  What  disturbance  took  place  after  the  Union  ? 

A.  A  ^ew  rebellion  was  attempted,  July  23d,  T803  ; 
but  the  movement  was  a  failure,  and  its  authors,  Thomas 
Russel  and  the  youthful  Robert  Emmet,  paid  for  it  with 
their  lives,  September  20th. 

Q.  What  question  now  began  to  occupy  the  attention 
of  the  British  parliament  ? 

A.  That  of  Catholic  emancipation. 

Q.  What  part  did  Irishmen  take  in  the  European  wars 
of  this  period  ? 

A.  Many  of  them  entered  the  armies  of  all  the  contend- 
ing powers,  but  by  far  the  greatest  number  were  in  the 
service  of  England,  and  by  sea  and  land,  at  Badajos,  Sala- 
manca, Vimeira,  .Toulouse,  Trafalgar,  and  last  of  all,  at 


f^^mif 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  237 

Waterloo,  under  their  countryman,  Arthur  Wellesley,  Duke 
of  Wellington,  they  won  the  highest  praise  by  their  fidel- 
ity and  valor. 

Q.  Did  any  of  them  serve  in  America  ? 

A.  Yes ;  several  of  them  took  an  active  part  against 
England  in  the  war  of  18 12. 

Q.  Name  a  few  of  them. 

A.  The  most  noted  are  Commodore  McDonough,  who 
defeated  the  British  on  Lake  Champlain,  and  Andrew 
Jackson,  the  "  Hero  of  New  Orleans,"  who  was  afterwards 
president  of  the  United  States.  Commodores  Shaw  and 
Stewart ;  and  Generals  Coffee,  Carroll)  Morgan,  and 
Butler  were  also  Irish  either  by  birth  or  descent. 

Q.  Of  what  other  noted  men  may  the  same  be  said  ? 

A.  Of  George  Clinton,  the  first  governor  of  New  York, 
and  afterwards  vice-president  of  the  United  States;  of 
Robert  Fulton,  the  inventor  of  the  steamboat ;  of  Chris- 
topher CoUes,  the  projector  of  the  Erie  Canal ;  and  of  De 
Witt  Clinton,  the  chief  promoter  of  that  great  work,  etc. 

Q.  Did  the  Irish  continue  to  emigrate  to  America  ? 

A.  Yes ;  they  now  began  to  arrive  in  great  numbers, 
as  we  see  from  the  fact  that  in  18 16,  when  the  Irish  ex- 
chequer was  united  with  that  of  England,  seven  thousand 
one  hundred  and  twenty-two  of  them  landed  in  New 
York.  When  steamships  began  to  ply  between  Ireland 
and  America  in  18 19,  the  number  was  greatly  increased. 

Q.  What  eminent  persons  flourished  in  this  age  ? 

A.  Edmund  Burke,  statesman  and  orator,  1 730-1 797; 
Father  O'Leary,  controversialist,'  1802 ;  Dr.  William 
Gahan,  divine,  1 732-1804;  Arthur  Murphy,  dramatist 
and  translator  of  Tacitus^  1 730-1805  ;  James  Barry,  the 
great  historical  painter,  1741-1806;  Sir  Guy  Carleton, 
general,  1742-1808;   Mrs.  Mary  Tighe,  poetess,   1773- 


238  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

1810;  Richard  Brinsley  Sheridan,  author,  statesman,  and 
orator,   1751-1816;  Edmund  Malone,  author  and  critic, 
1741-1818  ;  Sir  PhiUp  Francis,  the  reputed  Junius,  1740- 
1818  ;   WiUiam  Drennan,  the  patriot-poet,  1820  ;  and  last 
of  all,  the  good,  the  noble,  the  immortal  Grattan,  1820. 

Q.  What  were  the  last  acts  of  this  great  man  ? 

A.  Although  sick  unto  death,  he  resolved  to  make  his 
way  to  London,  to  present  a  petition  in  favor  of  the 
Catholics.  But  on  the  6th  of  June,  knowing  that  he  was 
dying,  he  called  for  a  paper  containing  his  political  opin- 
ions. "  Add  to  it,"  said  he,  addressing  his  son,  "  that  I 
die  with  a  love  of  liberty  in  my  heart,  and  this  declara- 
tion in  favor  of  my  country  in  my  hand."  Truly  might 
Byron  say  of  him  : 

"  Grattan — ever  glorious  Grattan, 
With  more  than  Demosthenean  powers  endowed  ; 
And  his  rival  or  victor  in  all  he  possessed." 


'■■^r?W5"T*-"       .  ■       •     .■-..■..-•;---;-.—  ...,-.■—„...-■--—■    -,-  ■  ■--~^~~-rr!r^rwffP- 


CHAPTER    XII. 

Calholic  Emancipation,  1820  /<?  1847. 

HAT  celebrated  man  now  began  to  take  the 
leading  part  in  all  the  afifairs  of  Ireland  ? 

A.  Daniel  O'Connell,  the  most  successful 
popular  leader  of  modern  times,  1 775-1847. 

Q.  What  measures  did  he  advocate  ? 

A.  The  emancipation  of  the  Catholics,  and  the  repeal 
of  the  Union. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  effect  the  former  ? 

A.  In  order  to  obtain  allies  and  assistance,  he  estab- 
lished the  Catholic  Association,  which  by  his  efforts  ulti- 
mately included  all  the  liberal  men  in  the  kingdom,  a.d. 
1823. 

Q.  What  bold  step  did  he  then  take  ? 

A.  In  1828  he  had  himself  elected  to  the  British  parlia- 
ment, and  then,  on  presenting  himself  before  that  body, 
refused  to  take  the  usual  anti-Catholic  oath,  because,  as 
he  said,  "  Part  of  it  I  know  to  be  false  ;  another  part  I 
do  not  believe  to  be  true." 

Q.  What  was  the  consequence  ? 

A.  A  bill  for  the  emancipation  of  the  Catholics  was 
passed  in  the  commons  on  the  30th  of  March,  and  by  the 
lords  on  the  loth  of  April,  after  which  it  was  approved 
by  George  IV.,  and  became  law  April  13th,  1829. 

Q.  What  did  emancipation  do  for  the  Catholics  ? 

A.  It  threw  open  to  them  all  offices  in  the  state,  except 


240  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

the  throne,  the  vice-royalty  of  Ireland,  and  the  chancel- 
lorship in  either  country. 

Q.  What  occurred  during  the  next  few  years  ? 

A.  The  decease  of  George  IV.,  and  the  accession  of 
William  IV.  in  1830;  the  introduction  of  the  National 
Schools,  1831 ;  the  reduction  made  in  the  tithes  paid  to 
Protestant  preachers,  and  the  addition  of  five  members 
to  the  one  hundred  Irish  representatives  in  parliament, 
1837;  and  the  great  storm  known  as  the  "big  wind,' 
occurred  January  6th,  1839. 

Q.  In  what  condition  was  the  mass  of  the  people  ? 

A.  The  poor-law  commission  of  1839  reported  that 
two  million  three  hundred  thousand  of  the  agricultural 
laborers  of  Ireland  were  paupers ;  that  those  immediately 
above  the  lowest  rank  were  the  worst-clad,  worst-fed,  and 
worst-lodged  peasantry  in  Europe. 

Q.  How  was  this  state  of  things  brought  about  ? 

A.  It  was  caused  by  English  tyranny  and  misrule. 

Q.  What  great  man  now  began  his  eventful  career  ? 

A.  Father  Mathew,  the  Apostle  of  Temperance,  who 
in  ten  years  administered  the  total  abstinence  pledge  to 
more  than  five  millions  of  persons,  a.d.  1848-1858. 

Q.  Did  O'Connell  rest  satisfied  with  Catholic  emanci- 
pation ? 

A.  No  ;  and  in  1840  he  organized  the  Repeal  Associa- 
tion, for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  a  severance  of  the  Union 
between  England  and  Ireland. 

Q.  Who  was  his  ablest  ally  ? 

A.  Richard  I^alor  Sheil,  orator  and  writer,  1 793-1851. 

Q.  Who  were  his  other  associates? 

A.  John  O'Connell,  O'Gorman  Mahon,  Thomas  Steele, 
Charles  Gavan  Duffy,  and  others. 

Q.  What  was  O'Connell's  plan  ?  " 


-..■-♦ 


Catechism  of  irish  history.         241 

A.  To  win  the  support  of  the  people  by  agitation,  and 
then,  it  was  supposed,  government  would  not  dare  resist 
the  force  of  public  opinion. 

Q.  How  was  this  opinion  manifested  ? 

A.  Through  the  press  and  the  pulpit,  but  especially  by 
several  great  monster  meetings  held  during  1843.  • 

Q.  Did  O'Connell  have  any  resources  in  money  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  he  had  the  repeal  rent,  raised  by  penny  sub- 
scription among  the  poor,  which  amounted  on  an  average 
to  eight  hundred  pounds  a  week. 

Q.  Give  some  idea  of  the  multitudes  attending  his 
mass-meetings. 

A.  From  the  first  the  crowds  were  immense,  and  they 
kept  increasing  till  their  numbers  became  truly  incredi- 
ble. Men  flocked  from  England,  Scotland,  and  all  parts 
of  Ireland,  to  hear  the  great  Liberator.  Thus,  to  mention 
a  few  instances  :  at  Clones  there  were  fifty  thousand  ;  at 
Ballinglass,  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand ;  at  Carleville, 
three  hundred  thousand ;  at  Kilkenny,  three  hundred  thou- 
sand ;  at  Loughrea,  four  hundred  thousand ;  at  Cork,  five 
hundred  thousand ;  at  Lismore,  six  hundred  thousand ;  at 
MuUagraast,  eight  hundred  thousand,  and  at  Tara,  one 
million. 

Q.  What  violent  means  did  the  government  now  take  ? 

A.  It  dismissed  all  repealers  from  office,  poured  troops 
into  the  country,  forbade  the  meeting  to  be  held  at  Clon- 
tarf,  and  prosecuted  O'Connell  and  eight  of  his  associates 
on^the  charge  of  attempting  to  overthrow  the  government. 

Q.  Who  were  the  English  ministers  that  did  this  ? 

A.  Sir  Robert  Peel  and  the  Duke  of  Wellington. 

Q.  Was  O'Connell  found  guilty  ? 

A.  Yes ;  the  government  minions  packed  a  jury,  and 
obtained  a  favorable  verdict 


^■^- 


243  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

Q.  What  was  his  sentence  ? 

A.  To  pay  a  fine  of  two  thousand  pounds,  and  to  be 
imprisoned  for  one  year;  bnt  after  three  months,  the 
unjust  sentence  was  reversed  by  the  house  of  lords,  and 
O'Connell  was  released. 

Q.  What  did  Lord  Denman,  one  of  the  judges,  say  on 
this  occasion  ? 

A.  "  If  such  practices  as  have  taken  place  in  the 
present  instance  in  Ireland  shall  continue,  trial  by  jury 
will  become  a  mockery,  a  delusion,  and  a  snare." 

Q.  What  occurred  after  this  ? 

A.  Peel  brought  forward  certain  concessions,  which 
lessened  the  ardor  of  the  people  for  repeal ;  then  the 
Young  Ireland  Party  divided  tliem  on  the  question  of  the 
measures  to  be  adopted  in  the  future  ;  finally,  famine  be- 
gan its  ravages  in  the  country,  and  O'Connell,  broken 
down  by  labors,  went  for  recreation  to  the  continent, 
where  he  died  at  Genoa,  on  the  15th  of  May,  1847. 

Q.  What  number  of  emigrants  left  Ireland  during  the 
agitation  ? 

A.  From  the  year  181 5  to  1839  as  many  as  three  hun- 
dred and  seventy-five  thousand  Irishmen  emigrated  to 
Canada.  By  the  official  census  of  1841  there  were  four 
hundred  and  nineteen  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty-six 
in  England  and  Scotland,  and,  within  the  ten  years  from 
1839  to  1849,  as  many  as  four  hundred  and  twenty-eight 
thousand  more  arrived  in  Canada.  Many  of  these,  how- 
ever, passed  on  to  the  United  States,  where  in  addition 
there  settled  four  hundred  and  ninety  thousand  five  hun- 
dred and  fifty-six,  between  the  years  1820  and  1847. 
Besides  these,  many  thousands  also  went  from  Ireland  to 
settle  in  France,  Belgium,  Australia,  and  the  distant  colO' 
nies  of  the  British  Empire. 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  24.3 

Q.  What  good  influence  did  these  emigrants  exercise  ? 

A.  Wherever  they  went,  they  carried  deep  religious 
convictions  and  planted  the  seeds  of  faith.  In  England 
and  Scotland,  in  Australia  and  America,  they  have  been 
the  great  church-builders  of  the  century,  and  to  them 
more  than  to  all  others  combined  is  due  the  wonderful 
spread  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  these  countries. 

Q.  Did  emigration  have  also  a  bad  effect  ? 

A.  Yes ;  the  emigrants  were  generally  poor,  and  neces- 
sarily exposed  to  many  temptations,  and,  as  a  conse- 
quence, many  of  them  and  their  children  ceased  to  be 
Catholics.  Bishop  England  ^pUs  us  that,  in  his  day,  thou- 
sands of  them  were  to  be  found  in  the  various  sects  of 
the  United  States;  and  Cardinal  Manning  adds  that 
there  are  not  less  than  two  hundred  thousand  Irish  people 
— at  least  by  blood  and  name — 'in  London,  who  have  no 
knowledge  of  their  religion,  who  never  go  into  a  Catholic 
church. 

Q.  What  eminent  men  passed  away  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Rev.  Charles  Wolfe,  author  of  The  Burial  of  Sir 
John  Moore,  and  other  poems,  1 791-1823;  Michael 
Kelly,  composer,  1 762-1826  ;  Jeremiah  Joseph  Callenan, 
poet,  1 795-1829;  Bishop  Doyle,  1 786-1 834;  George 
Pepper,  historian,  1792-1837  ;  Gerald  Griffin,  novelist, 
1 803-1 840;  Bishop  England,  of  Charleston,  1 789-1842  ; 
William  Maginn,  journalist,  1 794-1842  ;  John  Banim, 
novelist,  1800-1842  ;  Thomas  Davis,  poet,  18 14-1849  ; 
and  Aubrey  de  Vere,  poet,  1 786-1846. 


^.1*; 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Recent  Events ^  A.D.  1847  to  1878. 

I  HAT  has  ever  been  the  great  curse  of  Ire- 
land? 

A.  Disunion  among  her  leaders. 
Q.  What  memorable  instance  of  this  oc- 
curred in  recent  times  ? 

A.  During  the  last  years  of  O'Connell  his  agitation 
policy  was  bitterly  opposed  by  a  host  of  ardent  young 
patriots,  who  maintained  that  Ireland's  freedom  would  be 
secured  only  by  armed  force. 

Q.  What  course  did  these  pursue  ? 

A.  They  organized  "  The  Young  Ireland  Party,"  and 
then  established  the  Nation  to  promote  its  views.  The 
principal  writers  of  this  able  newspaper  were  John 
Mitchel,  Thomas  Davis,  and  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

Q.  Did  Ireland  improve  since  the  last  generation.? 

A.  No ;  owing  to  cruel  oppressive  laws,  her  condition 
grew  worse  every  year,  till  finally  in  August,  1846,  a 
dreadful  scourge  began  to  afflict  the  country.  "  Then," 
says  McGee,  "  Ireland,  the  hospitable  among  the  nations, 
smitten  with  famine,  deserted  by  her  imperial  masters, 
lifted  up  her  voice,  and  uttered  that  cry  of  awful  anguish 
which  shook  the  ends  of  the  earth." 

Q.  Was  the  famine  caused  by  scarcity  of  food  in  the 
country  ? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY,  245 

A.  It  was  not ;  tlie  food  was  there,  but  it  was  extorted 
from  the  famished  people  by  grasping  landlords,  who  ex- 
ported it  to  England  for  greater  profit. 

Q.  How  long  did  the  famine  last  ? 

A.  For  two  years ;  during  which  time  about  one 
million  persons,  men,  women,  and  children,  died  of  star- 
vation. 

Q.  Was  anything  done  to  relieve  the  distressed  ? 

A.  Yes ;  but  not  by  the  English,  "  whose  ships,  laden  to 
the  gunwales,  sailed  out  of  Irish  ports,  while  the  charity 
of  the  world  was  coming  in."  In  1846  food  to  the  value 
of  fifteen  million  pounds  was  shipped  to  England,  and,  in 
1847,  the  "  famine  year,"  the  produce  of  the  country 
amounted  to  forty-four  miUion  nine  hundred  and  fifty-eight 
thousand  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds,  an  amount 
sufficient  to  feed  twice  the  population  of  Ireland. — Per- 
raud,  p.  115. 

Q.  Who  did  send  assistance  to  Ireland  ? 

A.  "  The  Czar,  the  Sultan,  and  the  Pope  sent  their 
rubles  and  their  pauls.  The  Pacha  of  Egypt,  the  Shah 
of  Persia,  the  Emperor  of  China,  the  Rajahs  of  India, 
conspired  to  do  for  Ireland  what  her  so-styled  rulers  re- 
fused to  do — to  keep  her  young  and  old  people  living  in 
the  land.  America  did  more  in  this  work  of  mercy  than 
all  the  rest  of  the  world."— -Af^r (?(?<?. 

Q.  What  effect  did  the  famine  produce  ? 

A.  It  caused  thousands  to  flee  in  horror  from  the  coun- 
try. Thus,  at  the  port  of  Liverpool  alone,  between  the 
13th  of  January,  1847,  and  the  13th  of  December,  1848, 
there  landed  296,231  persons  from  Ireland.  Of  this  vast 
number  about  130,000  emigrated  to  the  United  States. 
Hence,  in  this  way,  emigration  from  Ireland  was  sud- 
denly increased  to  105,000  in  1846,  to  215,000  ia  1847, 


9^6  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

to  254^000  in  1849,  ^^  249,000  in  1850,  and  to  289,000 
in  1 85 1.  In  Canada  alone,  between  the  8th  of  May 
and  the  first  week  in  June,  1847,  as  many  as  84 
plague-stricken  ships  entered  the  St.  Lawrence,  with  car- 
goes of  poor  Irish  emigrants.  After  the  famine  in  1851, 
there  were  733,866  Irish  in  England  and  Scotland,  and 
within  the  ten  years  from  1847  to  1857,  as  many  as 
1,298,603  landed  in  the  United  States.  The  whole  emigra- 
tion from  Iceland  for  this  epoch  amounted  to  1,873,533 
souls. 

Q.  What  events  mark  the  year  "  forty-eight "  ? 

A.  The  foundation  of  the  I)ublin  Catholic  University ; 
and  the  wild  attempt  at  insurrection  by  the  leaders  of  the 
Young  Ireland  party. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  of  the  Young  Ireland  leaders. 

A.  Richard  O' Gorman,  Thomas  Darcy  McGee,  William 
Smith  O'Brien,  and  Thomas  Francis  Meagher,  are  among 
those  best  known ;  but  nearly  all  acquired  eminence  in 
the  various  professions  which  they  embraced. 

Q.  In  what  foreign  wars  did  the  Irish  distinguish  them- 
selves ? 

A.  In  the  Crimean  War,  the  East  Indian  mutiny,  and 
in  defence  of  the  Papal  States. 

Q.  \Vhat  noted  persons  died  in  the  meanwhile  ?  ^ 

A.  James  Clarence  Mangan,  poet,  1803-1849 ;  John 
C.  Calhoun,  statesman,  1782-1850;  James  Finton  La- 
lor,  1850;  Thomas  Moore,  the  "poet  of  all  circles," 
1 779-1852;  William  Thompson,  naturalist,  1805-1852  ; 
Lord  Plunket,  orator,  1 764-1854;  Gen.  John  Nicholson, 
preserver  of  British  India,  1821-1857;  Father  Mathew, 
the  Apostle  of  Temperance,  1795-1858;  John  Hogan, 
sculptor,  1800-1858;  Lady  Morgan,  novelist,  1 786-1859; 
and  Rev.  Geo.  Croly,  poet  and  writer,  1 780-1860. 


^^^!rW^^^r'!''T9'^'''''^'W'^f!!!:sr''''-rrf''^''V^^^ 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  247 

Q.  What  service  did  the  Irish  in  America  render  their 
adopted  country  ? 

A.  In  the  war  between  the  States,  thousands  of  them 
fought  in  the  Union  armies,  and,  as  Gen.  Butler  remarks, 
"In  every  company,  regiment,  battalion,  and  division  of 
both  armies,  there  were  to  be  found  Irish  soldiers  in  large 
proportions." 

Q.  What  was  noted  at  the  time  concerning  them? 

A.  It  was  noticed  that  "  they  showed  a  marked  desire 
to  fight  the  J>attles  of  their  adopted  country  in  such  or- 
ganizations as  could  rightly  bear  to  the  front,  by  the  side 
of  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  the  green  flag  and  golden  harp 
of  Erin.  "—/^. 

Q.  Were  there  many  such  organizations  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  there  were  Irish  regiments  from  Massachu- 
setts, Connecticut,  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware, 
Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  and  Michigan.  New  York  also 
sent  out  the  Corcoran  Legion  and  Meagher's  Brigade, 
both  exclusively  Irish. 

Q.  What  was  the  total  number  of  Irish  soldiers  in  the 
Union  armies  ? 

A.  Of  Irish  birth  there  were  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty-five  thousand,  and  nearly  double  that  number  who 
were  of  Irish  descent. 

Q.  What  generals  in  the  war  were  Irish  ? 

A.  Butler,     Corcoran,      Guiney,     Kearney,      Logan,. 
Meade,   Meagher,  Patterson,  Mulligan,  Smyth,  Sheridan, 
Shields,   etc.  ;    on  the  Confederate  side,  besides  a  bri- 
gade, there  were  Cleburne,  Mahone.  Shield,  Carroll,  and 
McBride, 

Q.  AVhat  civilians  rendered  great  service  to  the  country 
during  the  war  crisis  ? 

A.  Archbishop  Hughes,  of  New  York ;  A.  T.  Stewart, 


/■  T'" 


248  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY, 

the  leading  merchant  of  his  day;  and  Charles  O'Conor, 
the  head  of  the  American  Bar. 

Q.  What  occurred  after  the  Civil  War  ? 

A.  In  1866  considerable  excitement  was  caused  by  the 
Fenian  Brotherhood,  an  Irish  national  association,  which 
sent  about  a  thousand  men  to  invade  Canada,  a  depen- 
dency of  the  British  Empire.  Though  successful,  as  far 
as  it  went,  the  movement  came  to  nothing  owing  to  the 
course  pursued  by  the  president  of  the  United  States. 

Q.  Did  the  state  of  Ireland  improve  meanwhile  ? 

A.  Yes ;  ejjperience  and  public  opinion  began  to  influ- 
ence her  rulers,  and  they  were  induced  to  mete  out  to  her 
some  little  favors.  But  it  is  too  much  to  expect  that  she 
will  ever  obtain  full  justice,  except  by  some  means  other 
than  that  of  moral  suasion. 

Q.  Which  was  the  principal  of  these  measures  ? 

A.  The  disestablishment  of  the  Protestant  Church, 
July  26th,  A.D.  1869. 

Q.  What  eminent  men  died  during  this  past  decade  ? 

A.  John  O'Donovan,  Gaelic  scholar  and  translator, 
1809-1861 ;  James  Sheridan  Knowles,  dramatist,  1784- 
1862  ;  Eugene  O'Curry,  antiquarian,  1 794-1862  ;  Francis 
Patrick  Kenrick,  archbishop  and  theologian,  1 797-1863; 
Very  Rev.  Daniel  W.  Cahill,  preacher  and  astronomer, 
1 799-1864;  Sir  William  Rowan  Hamilton,  mathemati- 
cian, 1805-1865;  Rev.  Francis  Mahony  (Father  Prout), 
1800-1866 ;  Nicholas  Wiseman,  Cardinal  Archbishop  of 
Westminster,  1802-1865 ;  Leopold  O'Donnell,  Duke  of 
Tetuan,  and  Marshal  of  Spain,  1809-1867 ;  Samuel  Lov- 
er, novelist,  1797-1868;  and  William  Carleton,  novelist, 
1798-1869. 

Q.  On  what  occasion  was  the  influence  of  the  Irish 
strikingly  manifested  ? 


jj»-ri»:- -rjjim^™™™— r!.Tfr--'-r  T.,.-  ,—.■:.  ,--^'-^rWI%r'.V^'.\m;ff'.^^^^im^W';i'f>U-jr"im-Vy'lW!^ft"^- — !^  "•  ■^IV^^If^JJSf^yt^"'.  J-  JPj'^irfJ* 


CATECHISM  OP  IRISH  HISTORY.  249 

A.  At  the  Council  of  the  Vatican,  held  on  the  8th  of 
December,  1869.  Of  the  seven  hundred  and  seventy-nine 
bishops  present  at  this  great  assembly,  about  one  hundred 
— hailing  from  all  parts  of  the  world — were  Irish,  either  by 
birth  or  descent. 

Q.  What  recent  events  are  worthy  of  note  ? 

A.  The  visit  of  Father  Burke  to  the  United  States,  and 
his  successful  controversy  with  Froude,  the  eulogist  of 
English  misrule  in  Ireland. 

Q.  Does  emigration  from  Ireland  still  continue  ? 

A.  Yes ;  thousands  continue  to  depart  every  year  for 
difiFerent  countries.  From  1857  to  1878,  there  arrived 
one  million  sixty-five  thousand  four  hundred  and  twenty- 
nine  at  the  port  of  New  York  alone.  During  the  last 
thirty  years  about  two  millions  seven  hundred  thousand 
Irish  emigrants  came  to  the  United  States.  For  the  one 
hundred  years  just  past,  the  total  number  that  arrived 
in  America  amounted  to  about  five  millions. 

Q.  In  general,  how  are  the  interests  of  emigrants  to  the 
United  States  best  promoted  ? 

A.  By  settling  in  the  great  Western  States  or  Territo- 
ries, where  they  will  be  clear  of  all  corrupt  influences,  and 
can  easily  establish  flourishing  communities. 

Q.  What  is  now  to  be  saM  of  the  condition  of  Ire- 
land? 

A.  Despite  the  oppressive  laws,  the  country  is  beginning 
to  grow  in  wealth  and  population,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped 
that  ere  long  there  will  be  no  need  of  her  people  emi- 
grating, and  wandering  homeless  over  the  face  of  the 
earth. 

Q.  How  is  this  to  be  brought  about  ? 

A.  By  a  definitive  policy,  by  earnestness  and  union 
among  all  classes,  and  by  carefully  watching  her  repre- 


25°  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

sentatives  in  the  Imperial  parliament,  where  they  have 
often  proved  themselves  so  unworthy. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  thought  of  the  ''Home  Rule" 
policy  ? 

A.  It  is  probably  the  best  at  present ;  for,  when  Home 
Rule  is  once  obtained,  all  else  will  follow  if  desirable. 

Q.  Name  some  of  the  noted  Irishmen  that  have  died 
recently. 

A.  Michael  William  Balfe,  musical  composer,  1808- 
1870;  Daniel  Maclise,  painter,  1811-1870;  Charles 
Lever,  novelist,  1806-1872  ;  Sir  Robert  J.  McClure,  dis- 
coverer of  the  Northwest  passage,  1807-1873;  John 
Mitchel,  historian  and  agitator,  1815-1875 ;  John  O'Ma- 
hony,  revolutionist,  1816-1876. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  other  personages  of  Irish  birth  or 
descent. 

A.  Isaac  Butt,  statesman ;  Barry  Sullivan,  tragedian  ; 
Dion  Boucicault,  dramatic  author  ;  Bishop  Conroy,  Papal 
Delegate  to  America ;  James  Gibbons,  Primate  of  the 
United  States ;  John  MacHale,  Archbishop  of  Tuani ; 
John  McCloskey,  Cardinal  Archbishop  of  New  York ; 
Lord  Dufferin,  Governor-General  of  Canada;  and 
Marshal  Patrick  McMahon^^resident  of  the  French 
Republic.  ^ 

Q.  Besides  these,  are  there  others  of  almost  equal  emi- 
nence i* , 

A.  Yes ;  there  are  many  others,  filling  with  honor  the 
highest  departments  of  social  and  political  life— ^men  of 
worth,  soldiers,  heroes,  poets,  patriots,  and  divines,  of 
whom  Ireland  may  well  be  proud.  But  in  a  work  like 
this  it  is  impossible  to  mention  them  all. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  thought  of  the  future  prospects  of  Ire- 
land? 


CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY.  251 

'  A.  The  future  of  Ireland  is  cheering.  She  possesses 
the  same  vitality,  intellect,  and  resources  that  have  dis- 
tinguished her  in  the  past.  She  has  learned  much  by 
experience,  and  her  children  were  never  so  numerous  as  at 
present.  Moreover,  right  is  on  her  side,  her  history  is 
being  studied,  and  the  sympathies  of  the  world  are  with 
her.  If,  therefore,  the  generation  rising  up  be  as  patriotic 
as  their  sires,  no  power  on  earth  can  keep  the  "  old  land  " 
in  slavery,  and  she  will  soon  again  become  prosperous  and 
great,  if  not  entirely  free. 

Q.  What  thought  comes  naturally  to  mind  as  we  close 
this  last  page  of  our  history  ? 

A.  Truly,  we  must  say,  after  all,  Ireland  has  been  fortu- 
nate in  her  woe.  Six  hundred  years  of  the  bloodiest  per- 
secutions in  history  have  not  been  able  to  rob  her  of  in- 
dividuality, faith,  or  nationality.  Like  the  Church  whose 
most  faithful  child  she  is,  she  has  come  forth  victorious 
from  her  conflicts,  and  though  bearing  on  her  body  tne 
scars  of  battle  and  bigotry,  and  in  her  hand  the  broken 
wand  of  national  power,  still,  some  rays  of  her  ancient 
glory  and  the  attraction  of  defeated  right  linger  even  now 
upon  her  majestic  brow.  Her  sword  is  broken  and  her 
ancient  trophies  lie  mouldering  in  the  dust,  but  for  all  that 
she  is  yet  a  nation — a  distinct  nation.  You  may  ca'l  her 
subjected,  but  I  deny  that  she  is  conquered.  You  may 
call  her  tranquil,  but  I  deny  that  she  is  pacified.  She  still 
possesses  her  own  characteristics,  her  own  poetry  and 
literature,  her  own  patriotism  and  eloquence,  and,  above 
all,  she  cherishes  still  her  panting  aspirations  for  freedom, 
and  her  old,  eternal,  implacable  hostility  towards  her  arch- 
enemy, England. 

Ah  !  Ireland — beautiful  land  of  my  own,  even  strangers 
have  grieved  at  thy  sorrows,  and  how  then  shall  I  forget 


252  CATECHISM  OF  IRISH  HISTORY. 

thee  ?    Forget  thee  ?    Never  !  Ever  while  there  is  life  will 
I  remember  thee. 

Remember  thee  ?  yes,  while  there's  love  in  this  heart, 
It  shall  never  forget  thee,  all  lone  as  thou  art. 
More  dear  in  thy  sorrows,  thy  gloom  and  thy  showers, 
Than  the  rest  of  the  world  in  their  sunniest  hours. 

Were  thou  all  that  I  wish  thee — great,  glorious,  and  free. 
First  flower  of  the  earth  and  first  gem  of  the  sea — 
I  might  hail  thee  with  prouder,  with  happier  brow. 
But  O,  could  I  love  thee  more  deeply  than  now  ? 

No  ;  thy  chains  as  they  rankle,  thy  Hood  as  it  runs. 
But  make  thee  more  painfully  dear  to  thy  sons, 
"     Whose  hearts,  like  the  young  of  the  desert-bird's  nest, 

Drink  love  in  each  life-drop  that  flqwsfrom  thy  breast. — MuORE. 


THE   END. 


■^^Jjpr 


:-'^3?fT?j'^.^r*?*^'rt:^=^|u*^^5*^^ 


•^^ 


APPENDIX. 


Table  showing  the  number  of  Irish  Emigrants  who  arrived  at 
New  York  from  May  5,   1847,  to  January  i,  1878. 


Years. 

No,  of  Emigrants. 

Years. 

No.  of  Emigrants. 

1847 

52,946 

1863 

91.157 

1848 

98,061 

1864 

89.399 

1849 

"2,591 

1865 

70,462 

1850 

117,038 

1866 

68,047 

1851 

163,306 

1867 

65.134 

1852 

118,131 

1868 

47,571 

1853 

113,164 

1869 

66,204 

1854 

82,302 

1870 

65,168 

1855 

43.043 

1871 

65,506 

1856 

44,276 

1872 

68,747 

1857 

57.  "9 

1873 

68,612 

1858 

25,075 

1874 

37,447    ? 

1859 

32,652 

1875 

19,924 

i860 

47,330 

1876 

13.253 

1861 

25,784 
32,217 

1877 
Total. . . . . . 

8,221 

1862 

. .     2,009,887 

» 

m 


254 


APPENDIX. 


Table  showing  the  number  of  Irish  Emigrants  who  arrived  at  the 
Ports  of  the  United  States  from  Jan.  i,  1820,  to  Jan.^  1878. 


Ytmrs. 

No.  of  EntigraHts. 

1 

Years. 

No.  of  Emigrants. 

1820 

3,614 

1849 

151,398 

1821 

1,518 

1850 

164,004 

1822 

2,267 

1851 

-  221,213 

1823 

1,908 

1852 

V 159,548 

1824 

2.345 

1853 

'162,649 

1825 

4,888 

1854 

105,931 

1826 

5.408 

1855 

56,382 

1827 

9,766 

1856 

59, 008 

1828 

12,488 

1857 

7o,2H 

1829 

7.415 

1858 

34,4i<? 

1830 

2,721 

1859 

43.709 

183 1 

5.772 

i860 

60,692 

1832 

12,436 

1861 

33.274 

"   1833 

8,648 

1862 

35.859 

1834 

24.474 

1863 

'.■  96,088 

183s 

20,927 

1864 

89,442 

1836 

30,578 

1865 

77,370 

1837 

28,508 

1866 

83,894 

1838 

12,645 

1867 

108,857 

1839 

23,963 

1868 

59,957 

1840 

29.430 

1869 

79.030 

184I 

37.772 

1870 

^75.544 

1842 

51,342 

1871 

65,591 

1843 

19,670 

1872 

69,761 

1844 

33.490 

1873   , 

75.848 

184s 

44.821 

1874 

47,688 

1846 

51.752 

1875 

29,969 

1847 

105,536 

1876 

16,506 

1848 

"2.934 
Total 

1877 

13.791 

^,o';6,66o 

•  ■    jj^'j^'j  *'*'*' 

i^^^'^lWv'r 


APPENDIX, 


255 


Table  showing  the  number  of  Emigrants  who  left  Ireland  from 
January  i,  1846,  to  January,   1878. 


Years. 

No.  of  Emigrants. 

Years. 

No.  of  Emigrants, 

1846 

105,955 

1862 

70,117 

1847 

215.444 

1863 

117,229 

1848 

178,159 

1864 

114,169 

1849 

254.425 

1865 

101,497 

1850 

249,054 

1866 

99,467 

1851 

289,721 

1867 

80,624 

1852 

190,322 

1868 

64,018 

1853 

1 73.148 

1869 

66,568 

1854 

140,155 

1870  • 

74,855 

1855 

91,914 

1871 

71,240 

1856 

90,781 

1872 

77,102 

.1857 

95,081 

1873 

90,149 

1858 

64,337 

1874 

73.184 

1859 

80, 599 

I875 

51,462 

i860 

84,621 

1876 

37.587 

1861 

64,292 

1877 

38,503 

Total 3,592, 779 


